Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

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America / Napa Valley

Vine Hill Ranch is a blend of two clones of Cabernet Sauvignon from three special blocks in the Vine Hill Ranch vineyard in Napa Valley’s western benchlands near Oakville. Hand-harvested at night to ensure the fruit’s freshness and varietal purity, each of the three vineyard blocks is fermented and barrel-aged separately. After the grapes are gently destemmed and crushed, the must from each of the three vineyard lots is cold-soaked in stainless steel tanks for 48 hours to extract color, aromas, flavors and tannins prior to initiating fermentation with a cultured French yeast strain. Once fermentation completes, the wines enjoy an extended maceration on their skins to extract color and flavor and soften tannins. The three are blended and aged 22 months in French oak barrels, 66% new, to create an intense Cabernet Sauvignon.

Harvest Note

The 2015 growing season experienced weather extremities that led to a small, yet outstanding, vintage. 2015 was the earliest harvest in Cakebread Cellars’ 40+ year history. A warm, dry winter fostered early bud-break. A warm summer ensured beautiful ripening.

Tasting Note

Ripe, boysenberry, blackcurrant and black fig aromas, hints of loam, mineral and toasted oak, preface a concentrated palate featuring, lush dark cherry, boysenberry and cassis flavors. Tightly structured by firm yet supple tannins and crisp acidity, the Vine Hill displays a density and power found in only the finest Cabernet Sauvignons. It culminates in a long, savory finish showcasing rich, earthy, black fruit flavors refreshed by cool mineral tones. Delicious in its youth, Vine Hill will flourish with another decade of bottle aging.

Technical Data

GRAPES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

APPELLATION: 100% Vine Hill Ranch, Oakville

PH: 3.55

ACIDITY: 0.64 g/100 ml

ABV: 15.4%

AGING: 22 months in French oak barrels, 66% new

Unique Selling Points

100% single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville appellation
Each of 3 lots fermented and barrel matured separately to pinpoint fruit and terroir expression before blending
Matured 22 months in French oak barrels, 66% 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.