Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Trade Tools
America / Napa Valley
The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from the finest vineyard sites in the best appellations of Napa Valley, including the Sequoia Grove Estate and Tonella Estate Vineyards in Rutherford, as well as select parcels from top growers, including Morisoli and Beckstoffer in Rutherford, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux in the Oak Knoll District and Healy in St. Helena. All fruit is hand sorted before undergoing a cold soak followed by inoculation with French yeast strains. Individual wines are fermented in small batches with daily pump-overs. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and is further aged in oak before bottling.
Harvest Note
2018 was an ideal vintage for Napa Valley with great yields and outstanding quality. The year started out with heavy winter rains and cool, spring weather, resulting in late bud break to start the season. Ideal weather during flowering contributed to even set and ripening. The weather remained optimal throughout the growing season without the usual, late summer heat spikes. This mild weather allowed for excellent growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in beautifully ripened grapes with dark color, fresh fruit character, moderate alcohol, and balanced acidity.
Tasting Note
Dark red in color, the initial aromas are of bright black cherry and blackberry, followed by baking spices and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, the wine is intensely flavorful with round and smooth tannins, full of blackberry flavor and subtle toasty vanilla notes.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 1% Syrah, 1% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Napa Valley
PH: 3.86
ACIDITY: 5.5 g/l
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: 20 months in barrel, 50% new French oak
Unique Selling Points
- A concentrated, silky wine emphasizing varietal expression, richness and balance
- Aged 20 months in barrel, 50% French oak
- Rutherford-dominated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by Bordeaux grapes
“Achieving balance is the guiding principle in my winemaking.”
Jesse Fox, 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.
