Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

This wine is 100% made with estate fruit. The diversity of soils and slopes where this is grown in Calistoga directly translates to layers of complexity and depth in the glass. The Estate vineyard is comprised of varied terrain, from flat to steep hillsides. The vineyard gently slopes downward towards its base, where a small patch of sedimentary soil was deposited by the settling of an ancient ocean or lake. Extending out from the Napa River is the alluvial soil, the most prevalent type on the property. In the back and outside areas of the vineyard are volcanic soils, formed by ancient lava flows caused by tectonic uplifting.

The wine is made up of 98.25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 1.75% Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged in 100% French oak barrels (34% new) for 22 months. It exuberantly reflects the Calistoga vineyard, while balancing power with an extraordinary ability to age.

Starting out with fairly typical spring weather, the growing season in 2009 was defined by the cool summer, with no major heat waves all season. Whenever it would get warmer, it was immediately followed by a long cool period. The effect was slow and steady ripening with long hang time and a later than average start to the harvest. The heat did eventually show up in September, just in time to kick that final ripening stage into gear.

“It’s no surprise how fresh this wine presents, given the vintage weather and deep garnet color. Aromatically, red fruit leaps out of the glass first as cherries, then dried cranberries, and finally as raspberry jam. Here’s certainly some dark fruit lurking in the background but it’s incredibly well
integrated with notes of cedar, allspice and fresh leather. The entry here is astoundingly bright but also refined; the acid is fresh and energizing, balancing the earthy and savory characteristics of the vintage. The wine’s tannins are slightly coarse but integrate beautifully into the dark and dried fruit, which dominate the mid-palate. Moreover, the texture is sublime in that the wine has plenty of density and complexity, all while remaining polished and precise. After a few moments, black tea and tobacco leaf
resolve into the forefront along with a touch of toasty barrel, which supports rather than overwhelms the delicate balance of flavor. The finish sways back to red fruit with ripe strawberries and cherry candy slowly yielding to mint and black pepper. The tannins do persist here but do so in a way that prolongs these incredible flavors rather than just extending texture. Gradually the berries recede to reveal star
anise, plum and a hint of clove. This wine still has not reached its apogee and should continue to develop for another two decades.”
-Winemaker Matt Crafton

This is a powerhouse wine that can stand up to any number of complex dishes, but can be best enjoyed with beef, lamb, game (deer, venison) and mature, hard cheeses.