2011 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

Winemaking

Merryvale’s St. Helena Estate Vineyard lies on an eastern ridge overlooking the Napa Valley at almost one thousand feet elevation. Planted in 1997 under the direction of consultant Michel Rolland, viticulturist David Abreu and our winemaking team, this vineyard consistently delivers grapes that stand out for their plush fruit character, complexity and silky tannins.

The 2011 Estate Cabernet is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The handpicked grapes spent 21 days on skins before undergoing both native and inoculated primary fermentation, and native malolactic fermentation. We aged the wine for 20 months in 71% new and 29% second fill French oak barrels

Tasting Notes

Classic fresh fruit aromas of cherry, plum, and boysenberry give way to more unusual floral and tropical notes, even a hint of passionfruit. The palate is juicy and round, with balanced and bright acidity.