2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Eagle Summit Vineyard, Howell Mountain

Our 2016 vintage is our first vintage from the noted Eagle Summit family vineyard in the world class prestigious Howell Mountain AVA of Napa Valley known for small berries and bright fruit profiles and well maintained acid structure. This single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is being produced with precise hand-crafting in the Bordeaux style with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects longer time to develop fuller phenolics yet maintain acid balance on the vine due to it's unusual row orientation and shading in this noted vineyard near the summit of Howell Mountain.  The result is breathtaking, bringing traditional phenolics from micro-climate and balancing them naturally with the unique volcanic soil profile and low vigor rootstock and this micro-site's ability to maintain natural acidity and longer time on the vine vs. many neighboring blocks.

Winemaking:  The grapes were hand-harvested in passes at dawn October 2016, at 25 Brix. Our grapes were picked cool at 46 F, destemmed, cold soaked for 5 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 32 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: Silky, full bodied, age-worthy Cabernet with ample layers of ripe fresh fruit including blueberry, cassis, dried berries with hints of chocolate and walnut.  Substantial, yet supple tannins with a remarkably long and balanced finish.  Stylish, classic Bordeaux-styled collector's Napa Cabernet. 

 

 -   92 Points 

JEBDUNNUCK – 91-93 Points