2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford

The 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is 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 its unusual row orientation and shading in a typically hotter AVA for Napa Valley Cabernet.  The result is breathtaking, bringing traditional phenolics from micro-climate and balancing them naturally with the unique cooler micro-site's ability to maintain natural acidity and longer time on the vine vs. many neighboring blocks.

Winemaking: These grapes were hand-harvested on October 2016 at 25 degrees Brix.   They were picked cool, at 48 degrees F into small bins, gently destemmed, cold soaked for 4 days to assist with extraction of skin tannins, color and bright fruit, then fermented in 3/4 ton small lot open top fermenters.  The fermentation was carefully hand-punched down two to three times a day until dry, given the seed tannins' resolution of this special vineyard and drought-influenced intense vintage. The wine was pressed to barrels for malolactic fermentation, racked off and continued elevage in 90% French Oak & 10% American Oak for 32 months. Each barrel was hand racked four times and bottled with techniques that ensure maximum protection for aging cellar-worthy collector caliber wines.

Tasting notes: Rich, age-worthy 100% Cabernet Sauvignon in the classic full bodied, generous Rutherford Dust style.  Ample layers of bright black sweet cherries layered with hints of plum, sweet vanilla and warm toasted spices.  Medium tannins round out this bold, structured wine with a remarkably soft and juicy finish. Stylish Rutherford Cabernet that can be enjoyed now and will soften as it ages.    - 91 Points