Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Trade Tools
America / Napa Valley
Vine Hill Ranch is a distinctive blend of two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon from three special blocks in the renowned Vine Hill Ranch vineyard in Napa Valley’s western benchlands near Oakville. The three lots are separately cold soaked for 48 hours to extract color, aromas and flavors prior to fermentation. Warm fermentation and gentle tannin extraction are followed by extended maceration to fully extract color and flavor and soften tannins. Blending the three finished wines creates a uniquely complex and intense Cabernet Sauvignon that speaks eloquently of its terroir.
Harvest Note
2014 was another in a series of excellent vintages in Napa Valley. After a rainy February, which rejuvenated the vines, a warm, dry spring led to early bud-break, flowering and grape set. Summer was consistently mild with few heat spikes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and evenly while developing impressively concentrated flavors.
Tasting Note
Highly aromatic notes of blackberry, boysenberry, cassis and dark plum are complemented by hints of loam, mineral and dark chocolate. Rich, concentrated and vibrant on the palate, the wine’s deep, intense, blackberry, boysenberry, and blackcurrant flavors are balanced by uncharacteristically mild tannins and persist throughout a long, savory finish featuring spice, mineral and dark chocolate tones.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Vine Hill Ranch, Oakville
PH: 3.60
ACIDITY: 0.60 g/100 ml
ABV: 15.10%
AGING: Matured 21 months in French oak, 61% new
Unique Selling Points
- 100% single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville appellation
- Each lot fermented and barrel matured separately to pinpoint fruit and terroir expression before blending
- Matured 21 months in French oak, 61% new
“Our emphasis on fruit quality captures the expression of black fruit and rich dark chocolate in the wine.”
Stephanie Jacobs, Winemaker
About the Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is adaptable to various growing conditions, and is known for its low yield and late ripeness. It generally produces full-bodied wines with substantial acidity and tannins.
