2000 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
This is the first year that we have blended Merlot
and Cabernet franc with our Cabernet Sauvignon. Since
we are an estate-bottled winery and thus don't purchase
grapes from other vineyards, it's taken us some time,
from getting the permits, to planting the vineyards
and waiting for those vineyards to mature. The Cabernet
franc vineyard was planted in 1996 and the Merlot
vineyard was grafted in 1997.
Our steep mountain vineyards are dry-farmed: this
centuries-old tradition means there is no supplemental
irrigation for the vineyard---only what nature
provides as rainfall. We believe that dry-farming
allows the
vines to come into balance with nature by sending
their roots deep into the volcanic mountain soil,
allowing the vines to mature their fruit as nature
intended. Although this means a smaller yield of
grapes, we are confident that this insures the
best quality grapes.
The 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon, dark red in color,
is a wine of elegance and strength. Powerful
and rich
aromas of spice, nutmeg, oak and truffles, crushed
lavender and black cherries. Sounds crazy? Try
it and see! Chewy on the palate with a solid
core of
deep Cabernet fruit. Crisp tannins and acidity
with a long, flavorful finish. Great with steak
or savor
it with a fine cheese in place of dessert. Drink
anytime between now and 2025.
|
AGE OF VINES:
|
29 years |
|
APPELLATION:
|
Napa Valley |
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SUB-APPELLATION:
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Spring Mountain District |
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FARMING:
|
dry-farmed mountain vineyards |
|
VARIETAL CONTENT:
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Cabernet Sauvignon 90%, Merlot 8%, Cabernet franc
2% |
|
TIME IN OAK:
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25 months in new American oak barrels |
|
ALCOHOL BY VOLUME:
|
13.7% |
|
FINING:
|
unfined |
|
FILTRATION:
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unfiltered |
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CASES PRODUCED:
|
1500 cases |
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WINEGROWERS & WINEMAKERS:
|
CHARLES SMITH & STUART SMITH |
|
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