Emblem by Michael Mondavi Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
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Blend: 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Zinfandel, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot
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Rich and velvety, it carries an important mouthfeel consisting of firm tannins, good acidity and a firm, minerally grounding. Fruit is the star, filling the mouth with blackberries and black currants, and a smoky coating of oak. With a dry finish, it’s drinking very well now, and will soften through 2018.
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The Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested from our family's Oso Vineyard. Planted on slopes rising up from Schwartz Creek, it is nestled between Sugarloaf and Howell Mountains in Napa Valley, where the historic Oat Hill Mine Road begins its ascent over the mountain toward Calistoga. There, the vines grow on beautiful, stone-lined terraces, out of a rocky, porous soil. The high drainage stresses the vines, leading to high flavor concentration. The fruit remains fresh and vibrant throughout the growing season due to mild temperatures –warmer evenings and cooler days than on the valley floor –and afternoon breezes that blow straight down the vineyard rows. From the soil and elevation this mountain fruit extracts intense varietal characteristics, a firm structure, and excellent aging potential.
The Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is harvested from a single Rutherford vineyard east of the Napa River extending to Conn Creek, in the alluvial fan of the VacaRange, a place where our family has 25 years of winegrowing experience. The valley floor’s warm climate and deep, well-drained soils produce vigorous vines that receive more sun exposure than in other parts of the Napa Valley. To moderate and distribute the sun’s heat, the vines are planted in east-west facing rows, and a single-sided ballerina trellising system shades the fruit from intense morning sun. Rutherford historically produces classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon fruit of excellent quality.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.