Our 2005 Cabernet is grown in the warmer Napa Valley, 40 miles and a mountain range farther from our vineyard and the coast. This Cab is a combination of two vineyards; the Lewelling/Wight Vineyard which sits in the foothills of the Valley near the Rutherford/St. Helena border. This vineyard always brings juicy red fruit & exotic spice to the blend. The other half of the Cabernet comes from Stagecoach Vineyard. A block 2000 feet above the valley floor in red, rocky soils. The character of the Stagecoach grapes is a true mountain reflection of black fruits like cassis and dark cherry that are highlighted by cocoa and coffee. The grapes from the two Cabernet Vineyards are crushed separately and kept that way through the first year in barrel. The barrels are 40% to 50 % new, all French oak.

At the end of that first year a final blend is assembled that highlights the individuality, yet establishes complexities and creates a harmony of these vineyards coming together. That blend is returned to barrel for 6 to 10 months, depending on taste and texture of each vintage, allowing the layers of flavor to marry before bottling. The resulting aromas & flavors in this vintage are that of both red and black fruits, but the spice is the star, it is alluring & more inviting every time you lift the glass; from sandalwood to cinnamon, thyme to tarragon, and the classic mocha notes of our mountain block. This Cabernet hits that balance point of texture which is round & smooth for drinking now, yet keeps enough structure to pay rewards to those that add it to their cellars.