2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, Steffensen Vineyard, Coombsville

The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from the noted Steffensen Vineyard in Coombsville.  Vintage 2017 in a long-standing vertical series from Steffensen Vineyard. The wine showcases why Coombsville is a rising star AVA producing some of Napa's most exciting new Cabernets in a slightly cooler AVA known for bright fruit profiles and well maintained acid structure.  

Winemaking:  The grapes were hand-harvested in passes at dawn in October 2017, at 24.5 Brix. The grapes were picked cool at 48 F, destemmed, cold soaked 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: Medium to full bodied age-worthy Cabernet with many layers of flavors including blackberry, plum, cherries and dark chocolate.  Medium to full firm tannins with hints of jam and cooked fruits at the finish that leads to a long and pleasant mouthfeel. Classic Bordeaux-styled collector's Napa Cabernet that softens as it ages.