Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
Trade Tools
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.
Harvest Note
2016 began with the most abundant rainfall we’ve experienced in three decades, which refreshed and revitalized the vines after years of drought. Warm spring temperatures prompted an earlier-than-average budbreak, followed by a relatively cool summer with no heat spikes; these conditions allowed grapes to ripen slowly and steadily, and a warm, dry September helped them develop to full maturity. 2016 is another standout Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, with smaller yields of exceptional quality.
Tasting Note
A big, intense wine with aromas of blackberry and boysenberry accented with hints of dark chocolate. The deep, dark fruit extends over an opulent palate supported by a firm tannin structure, and then on into a dense, powerful finish.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
APPELLATION: Vine Hill Ranch, Oakville
PH: 3.71
ACIDITY: 0.64 g/100 ml
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: 22 Months In French Oak, 63% New
Unique Selling Points
- Single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oakville appellation
- The 3 lots fermented and matured separately for optimal fruit and terroir expression
- Matured 22 months in French oak barrels, 63% 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.
