Nose
The 2011 Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon opens
with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf and licorice.
Palate
This fullbodied
elegant wine is fills the palate with flavors of cherry,
black currant grilled Portobello mushrooms and black
pepper. The wine displays an excellent structure and perfect
balance.
Growing Conditions
2011 was as challenging as it was educational. What began
with a wet winter and spring continued with rainfall into
mid-June causing delayed bloom and significant shatter in
parts of the valley. The precipitation totals for the season
found the region more than a third above normal in rainfall,
and while this was good news for water resources, the cloud
cover and cool temperatures delayed vine development by
several weeks at the onset of the growing season. Despite
this, we found that the flavors from this vintage developed at
lower brix, giving us the opportunity to make truly elegant
wines at lower alcohol levels.
This blend is comprised of fruit from three unique
appellations, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Lake
County. Napa Valley is the backbone of the blend, with its
terroir providing the fullest expression of black fruits and
integrated tannins; Sonoma County’s fog influence produces
grapes that give the wine structure, balance and acidity; Lake
County’s growing season is short, making for red, jammy
wines that are easy to enjoy.
