ESTATE AT THE GOLDEN GATE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON OAKVILLE MASTER CLASS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
VARIETY
• Roots traces to the Gironde in southwest France 18th century
• Offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, best known for thick skins, high tannins, and relatively high acid
• One of the last major grape to ripen and be harvested, best suited for gravel-based soils
• Effect of weather:
• Unripe or cool: herbaceous or vegetal
• Overripe or too hot: jammy or stewed fruit
• Clone diversity & selection + root stock: primary for soil, weather, and disease resistance
HISTORY
• Arrived in mid-1880’s, planted in the Santa Clara Vally before making its way north into Sonoma
• H.W. Crabb introduced the variety to Napa with his plantings of what is now known as To Kalon in western Oakville (Clone 2)
• After phylloxera in 1880s and Prohibition in the 1920s, by 1963 Cabernet Sauvignon was 3rd most planted grape variety
• 1970s saw surge of plantings, and by 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon was most planted variety in Napa Valley, which gave rise to “Cult Cabs”
DESIGNATION
• 75% min to be called Cabernet Sauvignon on front label
• 75% min to be an appellation wine
• 85% min to be a sub-AVA wine
• 95% to be a single vineyard wine
• Oakville designation in 1993
AVA Overview
West Oakville
• Cooler climate, morning sunlight sun
• Sedimentary gravel, alluvial soil, Franciscan formation
• Lower slope well drained
• Produces wines with complexity and minerality
East Oakville
• Warmer sun-soaked climate, afternoon sun
• Iron-rich, volcanic soil, tuff and slide
• Steep formation, exposed drops
• Produces wines with dusty, dried fruit tones
Our Estate & Notable Neighbors
The Vineyard House is made up of 14 distinct subsections (called "blocks") in the heart of the Halter Valley. Our neighbors include the legendary Bond, FUTO, Promontory, and Harlan Estates, as well as Stelling Vineyard.
2011 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
A deep, dark black-purple color, the 2011 vintage has an ultra-intense nose of blackberries and blackcurrants. On the palate, there’s a wave of ripe, black fruit, freshly tilled earth, clove and allspice, and dark flowers, with a powerful finish of balanced tannins.
PRODUCTION
Fermented lots individually in stainless steel tanks, average 3 days cold soak, 23 days on skins. Aged 32 months in French oak, 50% new.
94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot | 750 Cases | 14.5% ALC
2013 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Full of juicy ripe blueberries, cherries, and strawberries. Notes of caramel, tobacco, and cassis round off the nose. The palate is full and elegant with soft tannins and a balanced finish that lingers.
PRODUCTION
Fermented lots individually in stainless steel tanks. Aged 24 months in French oak, 50% new.
91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot | 825 Cases | 14.5% ALC
2014 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2014 marked the debut of 100% estate fruit from The Vineyard House’s surrounding vineyards. Dark black cherry fruit tip toes in blackberry with subtle hints of anise, black pepper and perfumed violets. Concentrated fruit envelops a moderate to firm tannin structure giving a balanced backbone.
PRODUCTION
Fermented lots individually in stainless steel tanks. Aged 28 months in French oak, 50% new.
97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot | 800 Cases | 14.5% ALC
2019 ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2019 vintage is very precise, with a focused nose, great balance, and elegance. Bright notes of lavender, cocoa, dried roses and crushed rock lead to a dense, deeply textured, mouth-filling and gorgeous finish. The wine shows great energy and focus.
PRODUCTION
Fermented lots individually in stainless steel tanks. Aged 26 months in French oak, 85% new.
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Petit Verdot | 505 Cases | 15.3% ALC
WINNER OF THE CULT WINE CHALLENGE
2015 ESTATE ‘BLOCK 8’
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The 2015 ‘Boss Block’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a case study in typicity; made from a single sight, clone, rootstock, and variety from the best block on our 44-acre estate. The wine is vibrant purple and displays aromas of blueberries, redcurrants, blackberries, crème de cassis, violets, rosehips, tobacco leaf, bay leaf, forest floor, and pencil lead. Its seamless tannic structure and bright acidity will provide longevity, and patience will pay off in dividends, but our extended barrel aging adds a supple nature allowing for early accessibility. PRODUCTION
100% Cabernet Sauvignon | 100 Cases | 14.5% ALC
2016 ESTATE ‘BLOCK 8’
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The opaque dark purple color sheets along the glass displaying the wine’s weight and concentration. Complex layers of red, blue, and blackberry fruits are woven with pronounced crush rock-like minerality, blue and white floral notes, pencil shavings, espresso, and cocoa. The mouthfeel is rich and full textured with seamless tannins and balanced acidity. The tightwire act of power and complexity convey this wine will bring enjoyment for decades in your cellar. This truly may be our best effort to date.
