Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon 2018:
The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from the finest vineyard sites in the best appellations of Napa Valley, including the Sequoia Grove Estate and Tonella Estate Vineyards in Rutherford, as well as select parcels from top growers, including Morisoli and Beckstoffer in Rutherford, Stagecoach in Atlas Peak, Lamoreaux in the Oak Knoll District and Healy in St. Helena. All fruit is hand sorted before undergoing a cold soak followed by inoculation with French yeast strains. Individual wines are fermented in small batches with daily pump-overs. The wine then undergoes malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and is further aged in oak before bottling.
Harvest Note:
2018 was an ideal vintage for Napa Valley with great yields and outstanding quality. The year started out with heavy winter rains and cool, spring weather, resulting in late bud break to start the season. Ideal weather during flowering contributed to even set and ripening. The weather remained optimal throughout the growing season without the usual, late summer heat spikes. This mild weather allowed for excellent growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in beautifully ripened grapes with dark color, fresh fruit character, moderate alcohol, and balanced acidity.
Tasting Note:
Dark red in color, the initial aromas are of bright black cherry and blackberry, followed by baking spices and a hint of chocolate. On the palate, the wine is intensely flavorful with round and smooth tannins, full of blackberry flavor and subtle toasty vanilla notes.
Food Pairing:
A versatile food wine, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with any red meat on the grill, pork tenderloin, heavy cheeses and grilled vegetables.
- GRAPES:
- 83% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 8% Merlot
- 6% Cabernet Franc
- 1% Syrah
- 1% Malbec
- 1% Petit Verdot
- AGING: 20 months in barrel, 50% new French oak
- PH: 3.86
- ACIDITY: 5.5 g/l
- ABV: 14.9%
Plums, currants, stones, sage and walnut husks on the nose. Some toffee and mocha. Medium- to full-bodied with polished tannins. Creamy finish. — James Suckling 92 points
Reductive, this wine opens in soy, tobacco and cedar. With a grippy backbone of tannin, it offers dense, rounded layers of black fruit that complement the earthiness. - Wine Enthusiast Magazine 90 points
