The wine rewards contemplation. It shines in the glass like a finely polished garnet. The nose is an undefined mix of red fruits: cherries and plums, surely, but what else? Nothing sticks out; the whole is so tightly composed that it is impossible to pick this wine apart. Sweet and silky smooth on the palate, a firm dense core leads to a satisfying and graceful finish. How can Napa Valley Cabernet be this refined?
Even though we made the wine, we don’t have all the answers. As you know, the Cain Concept is about Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the classical Benchlands of the Napa Valley. This makes up about half of the blend. Merlot and Cabernet Franc grown in Carneros contribute much of the balance. Although we love Benchland Cabernet, we have often found that blending adds complexity. In this case, the blend may have been the key.
2009 was a perfect growing season to illustrate our stylistic values. Cain wines are about balance and complexity. We pick in time to preserve the natural freshness of the fruit before it fades on the vine. In this way, we capture lively wines, wines with energy. In this vintage, the rains of mid-October dramatically underscored our aesthetic. - Winery
Vineyards:
Oakville: Beckstoffer—Missouri Hopper
Rutherford: Beckstoffer—George III, Morisoli Borges, Hudson
Carneros: Truchard
Atlas Peak: Stagecoach
St. Helena: Stanton
Varieties:
46% Cabernet Sauvignon
26% Merlot
15% Cabernet Franc
13% Petit Verdot
Production: 5,971 cases
** SOLD OUT **
A trim, firm style that strikes a fine balance between tight currant and dried berry flavors, with spice, cedar, tobacco and crushed rock accents. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2021. 5,971 cases made. –JL - Wine Spectator Magazine 88 Points
