Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2019
Napa Valley, Duckhorn Vineyards, 375 ml
| Grape variety: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Producer: | Duckhorn Vineyards |
| Origin: | USA / California / Napa Valley |
Description
The grapes for this mainly Sauvignon Blanc wine come from the best vineyards on the North Coast of California. The Sauvignon Blanc North Coast is rich yet elegant, with a small amount of Sémillon adding depth, complexity and smoothness. On the nose, it reveals enticing aromas of lemon verbena, pineapple, lime and honeydew melon. On the palate, it is silky and mouth-filling, due in part to several months of ageing on the lees. A refreshing acidity frames the tantalising citrus and tropical fruit flavours leading to a long and concentrated finish.
Attributes
| Origin: | USA / California / Napa Valley |
| Grape variety: | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Ripening potential: | 3 to 10 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Châteaubriand, Filet Wellington, Goulash, boeuf bourguignon, Saddle of lamb fillet with herb jus, Roasted lamb gigot |
| Vinification: | fermentation in wooden barrel |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection |
| Maturation: | in partly new and used barriques/ Pièces |
| Bottling: | filtration |
| Maturation duration: | 18 months |
| Volume: | 14.5 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Duckhorn Vineyards
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent nearly fifty years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines.
From its modest first vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has cultivated a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today, making Duckhorn Vineyards one of the most renowned producers of Bordeaux varietal wines.
Fundamental to this tradition was the early decision to focus on the production of premium Merlot. Although many Napa Valley wineries used Merlot as a blending grape in the late 1970s, only a few spotted its potential as a wine in its own right. Dan Duckhorn, a huge fan of Merlot since his travels to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, felt that this elegant grape variety was underestimated in North America. In the late 1980s, the Duckhorns began acquiring more vineyards in acclaimed areas of the Napa Valley. Today, the Duckhorn Napa Valley Estate Vineyard portfolio comprises of nine unique vineyards, including St. Helena, Yountville, Calistoga and Howell Mountain. Each of them is growing Merlot alongside other grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc and also Chardonnay, whose different characteristics reflect the variations in soil, terrain, microclimate and exposition. In 2001, the traditionally styled Estate House was built in beautiful St. Helena with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
Cabernet Sauvignon
The backbone of Bordeaux
The Cabernet Sauvignon gives the Bordeaux its backbone, yielding deep violet wines with powerful tannins and endless ripening potential. It is the top dog in Médoc, and is placed in all five premier crus of Bordelais. When young, it often appears strict and unapproachable, but with advancing years, its tannins round off. It is wonderfully velvety, and yet always maintains its freshness. Typical flavours include cassis, graphite and cedar. Wherever Cabernet Sauvignon is found, Merlot is not far away. It complements the robust structure of Cabernet with softness, fruit and richness. The Cabernet Sauvignon is the most-exported vine in the world. It delivers persuasive qualities in Italy as an ingredient of the Super Tuscan, or as the flagship variety from California. There, it is lovingly titled “Cab Sauv”. Meat fans should be aware that it fantastically accompanies a grilled entrecôte. The family tree of Cabernet Sauvignon is surprising: its parents are Cabernet Franc and the white Sauvignon blanc.
California
California: Lots of fruit and ripe tannins
Around 90 percent of the wine produced in the USA comes from California. The Napa Valley, situated roughly 100 kilometers north of San Francisco, is the most prominent wine region in the western hemisphere. California vintners first caused an international sensation with Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, however, superior wines are also produced from Pinot Noir, Syrah and other varieties. California’s wine country shows more variety today than ever before.
USA
USA - Yes, they can!
The United States is the third-largest nation on the planet in terms of both land area (after Russia and Canada) and population (after China and India). Every conceivable climate zone can be found in the US, from hot deserts to arctic frost. Thanks to immigration from all over the world, the US is probably the most multicultural country on the planet. Thus it has the ideal conditions for producing internationally recognized wine.
