2018 Calafia Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

WSI93+ The color is a deep crimson red with violet hues. The red and black aroma profile consists of raspberry, blackberry, dark chocolate, clove and cinnamon. The flavors are more black fruit: cassis, elderberry, lingonberry and nutmeg. With time and air, the nuances of French oak appear. On the palate, the texture is full, round and smooth with fine grain tannins for aging 10 years or longer. Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot. 100% French Oak, 30% new and 70% once-filled.

The wine is made from two vineyard sites. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% from the Crouse Vineyard at about 1,000’ elevation high on Mt. Veeder. The soils are well-drained uplifted sedimentary clays that are shallow and contain shale. Owner Karen Crouse and her intrepid vineyard manager, John Derr are detailed farmers, and the results show in very flavorful grapes. Our second vineyard for the Malbec and Petit Verdot is located in mid-valley Yountville, having alluvial soils and a warmer climate than Mt. Veeder. The Malbec adds color, dense black fruit aromas with lush, round tannins. The Petit Verdot adds color, high-tone perfume aromatics and round palate texture.