Notes from the winemaker:Our Estate program follows traditional French winemaking practices. Techniques include the use of extended maceration (each lot averaged 25 days on the grape skins) and frequent pumping-over (two times a day). The 2007 vintage aged for 20 months in 43% new Troncais, Nevers and Alliers Oak (thin-staved, medium & medium-plus toast Chateau Ferre barrels). Tonnelleries: Seguin Moreau, Radoux, Demptos, Sylvain and Doreau. Barrels were topped monthly and racked every 6 months. To preserve fruit intensity and body, the wine was not filtered prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes:Our signature wine is a deep, dark red color and opens to blueberry, chocolate and vanilla. The lush, full-bodied palette continues with flavors of mulberry, cedar, leather and hints of tobacco. This wine's incredible balance and long finish is accentuated by its integrated tannins and round, lush flavors. Enjoy with chocolate, cheese, Filet Mignon, NY Strip steak, Flat Iron steak or venison. Drinkability: Now to 2022.
Vineyard notes:Our estate vineyards planted in 1990 on the Napa Valley hillsides east of the Silverado Trail provided the grapes. A variety of exposures increased the wines complexity. Western slopes: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Eastern slopes: Cabernet Franc and a second Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Crop level and vine growth were closely monitored to achieve balance and intensify fruit character. The vineyards are densely planted (1240 vines per acre) and vertically trellised. The rocky soil with moderate amount of clay averaging three feet in depth provides excellant drainage.
Ratings & Reviews
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate reveals a slightly more evolved looking dark garnet/plum color and a more fragrant, open-knit bouquet of black currants, black cherries, incense and loamy soil undertones. Fleshy and exuberant with a more evolved personality than the 2008, this medium to full-bodied, elegant yet authoritative 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed over the next 15 years." - Robert Parker (Dec 2010)
90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"Complex
and pleasingly earthy, but also quite tannic. Firm, intense and
structured, showing cedar, mineral and dried currant, with touches of
sage and herb. Veers toward dryness on the finish. Best from 2010
through 2020." - J.L. (November 2010)
90 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine:
"Shows plenty of good Cabernet varietal character in the blackberry and black currant flavors, with savory cherry and violet notes that must come from additions of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The all important tannins are super soft and mellow, while acidity also is soft. Enjoy this decadent wine now and through 2015." - S.H. (Dec 2010)
90 Points & "One Puff" - Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine:
"A bit on the berryish side for a Napa Valley Cabernet, but bright and fruity in the bargain, rich and beginning to show layers of complexity, the wine may not quite carry the drama found in Signorello's Padrone bottling but does a pretty fair job of being deep and attractive in its own right. It is full on the palate, tannic yet nicely fruity and is likely to live for a decade or more." (Dec 2010)
5 Stars - Decanter Magazine:
"Pronounced, stylish perfume of cassis, mint, coffee, chocolate, fruit pastille and vanilla. Lush and very classy with spice and complexity, freshness, integrated tannins and a long length. Drink: 2012-2020."
(Jan 2011)
91 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"A blockbuster, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate, may be the finest Cabernet I have yet tasted from the estate. Sweet blackberry and black currant fruit intermingled with notions of cherries, earth, licorice, and chocolate aromas jump from the glass of this dense purple-colored wine. Full-bodied, opulent, and fleshy with impressive purity, texture, and length, it can be drunk now or cellared for 15+ years." - Robert Parker (Dec 2009)
90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (2008 vintage):
"The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate comes from a vineyard planted in 1990 on the hillside of the Silverado Trail. A blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot aged 20 months in French oak, it exhibits a deep plum/garnet/ruby/purple color as well as a promising nose of charcoal, scorched earth and black currants. Young, rich, full-bodied and dense, it is approachable now, but will be better in 2-3 years and keep for 15-20." - Robert Parker (Dec 2010)
