Napa Valley Howell Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

HARVEST NOTES
For red and white grapes, 2018 offered near-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather and no significant heat events. Conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which exhibit beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavours with low sugar levels. Although our Chardonnay harvest began approximately three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger crop than usual for our Bordeaux red varieties, with fully lignified seeds and low sugar levels. With mild weather throughout the autumn, we were able to harvest each block at optimum ripeness, producing exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with soft, rounded tannins and beautiful overall structure.

WINE MAKING

APPELLATION OF ORIGIN: Napa Valley
SUB-ZONE: Howell Mountain
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot
PROFILE AND AGEING IN OAK:
Total ageing: 24 months
Aging in new French oak: 18 months
Aging in neutral barrels: 6 months
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
pH: 3.71