2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Eagle Summit Vineyard, Howell Mountain

The 100% pure Cabernet Sauvignon is from the noted Eagle Summit Vineyard in Howell Mountain.  Vintage 2017 is the 2nd bottling in this prestigious mountain vineyard. The wine showcases why Howell Mountain is a star AVA producing some of Napa's most exciting Cabernets in a higher AVA known for small berries and bright fruit profiles and well maintained acid structure.  

Winemaking: The grapes were hand-harvested in passes at dawn October 2017 at 25 Brix and were picked cool at 46 F, destemmed, cold soaked for 3 days to gently optimize extraction of tannins, color and fresh fruit, then fermented in small lot 3/4 ton open top fermenters.  The grapes were punched down by hand two to three times a day until dry. The wine was pressed to barrels for malolactic fermentation, then racked into 100% French barrels for its planned 28 months elevage, which will add complex flavors and lush aromatics. Each barrel was hand racked three times and bottled with techniques that ensure maximum protection for aging cellar-worthy collector caliber wines.

Tasting notes:  This full bodied, age-worthy Cabernet with ample layers of ripe fresh fruit including blueberry, boysenberry, black current and plum with hints of sweet tobacco and black licorice.  Substantial, yet supple tannins with a remarkably long and balanced finish with hints of cedar and oak. Stylish, classic Bordeaux-styled collector's Napa Cabernet.