Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Trade Tools
America / Napa Valley
Vine Hill Ranch is a blend of two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon from three special blocks in the Vine Hill Ranch vineyard in Napa Valley’s western benchlands near Oakville. Hand-harvested at night to ensure the fruit’s freshness and varietal purity, each of the three vineyard blocks is fermented and barrel-aged separately. After the grapes are gently destemmed and crushed, the must from each of the three vineyard lots is cold-soaked in stainless steel tanks for 48 hours to extract color, aromas, flavors and tannins prior to initiating fermentation with a cultured French yeast strain. Once fermentation completes, the wines enjoy an extended maceration on their skins to extract color and flavor and soften tannins.
Harvest Note
After several years of drought, 2017 saw see ample rainfall in Napa Valley during the winter. Cool spring weather offered ideal conditions for flowering and “berry set”—when each tiny flower turns into a young grape. Temperatures were moderate through the summer, for slow, even ripening. Toward harvest, the temperatures turned warmer, delivering small clusters with tremendous varietal character and balanced acidity.
Tasting Note
An intense, full-bodied wine with aromas of blackberry and boysenberry accented by notes of dark chocolate and stone. The deep, dark fruit extends over an opulent palate supported by a firm tannin structure, and then on into a dense, powerful finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Vine Hill Ranch, Oakville
PH: 3.56
ACIDITY: 0.66 g/100ml
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: 22 Months In French Oak, 61% New
Unique Selling Points
- Single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville appellation
- The 3 lots fermented and matured separately for optimal fruit and terroir expression
- Matured 22 months in French oak barrels, 61% new
“Our emphasis on fruit quality captures the expression of black fruit and rich dark chocolate in the wine.”
Stephanie Jacobs, Winemaker
About the Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
