Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon

The Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon consists of more than 65% Rutherford-grown fruit including the Sequoia Grove Estate, the Tonella Estate Vineyard, and Morisoli Vineyard. Tonella sits on the eastern side of the valley bench lands, which are heavily influenced by its volcanic soils. The Tonella Cabernet Franc in this wine is clones 214, 1, and 4 which sit on a rockier section of the vineyard that is heavily influenced by the Vaca Mountain Range. The remainder comes from Lamoreaux Vineyard on the eastern bench of Napa Valley in the Oak Knoll District. Lamoreaux’s cool nights contribute lush qualities to the blend with Cabernet clones 169 and 34.

This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with dark blue and black fruit on the nose with aromas of blackberry cobbler, plum, and black currants, followed by warm aromatics of fresh tobacco, tamarind, hints of vanilla, and caramelized black fruit. On the palate, this Cabernet is silky and lively, with medium-to-full bodied texture and weight, and flavors of raspberry, black cherry, black plum, and soft red and black stone fruit. Rich tannin, texture, and weight lead to an inviting mouthfeel. The finish is mouthwatering and lengthy with cherry and hints of dark, powdery cocoa, which is classic with Rutherford-based wines.

This bottle began with moderate winter rainfall and a warm and dry spring. Bud break began in late March, leading to a Spring that had few showers. Summer was temperate and steady, with heat spikes that pushed the vintage and set the stage for an excellent season consisting of small berries and great concentration. Once headed into early Fall, harvest was upon us rapidly. We moved swiftly to bring in only the premium quality of grapes to process, and we finished the season quickly.