2014 Merrvale Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1.5L

Winemaking

Drawn from three top Napa vineyards: Salvador, Rancho Chimiles and Erba Loma with each vineyard fermented separately in small tanks. Native fermentation started after a 5-day cold soak and reached a peak temperature of 90°F. The wines were pumped over a few times a day until dry and then pressed and drained to barrels where malolactic fermentation occurred. Aged in 50% new French oak barrels, the wine matures for 22 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

Coming from some of the cooler areas of Napa Valley, we were able to achieve a wine of balance and elegance despite a really warm vintage. Sourced mostly from the alluvial fan of Oak Knoll and some hillside vineyard sites such as Erba Loma and Rancho Chimiles, we find the balance between the softness of the Napa Valley foothills and the power of the hillside vineyards. This wine is rich and dark in the glass with aromas of coffee and blackberry. Medium- to full-bodied with notes of cassis and toast, the finish features supple, velvety tannins that will gain even more complexity as time passes. This Napa Valley Cabernet sets the standard for quality and will age beautifully for the next 15 years.