Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesVery deep garnet in color, the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Helena Montana Vineyard gives up a gorgeous fragrance of dried roses, oolong tea, underbrush and spice cake over a core of minted cassis, blackberry compote, star anise and preserved plums. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a wonderful savory personality with a firm frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing on a persistent mineral note. 1000 cases were made.
A small and picturesque valley separating Napa Valley on its south border and Alexander Valley to its north, Knights Valley excels in similar varieties as the two aforementioned appellations, namely red Bordeaux varieties and blends, as well as Sauvignon blanc. Originally established by Beringer Vineyards, today several outstanding producers claim acreage here. The circadian cooling effects of the nearby Pacific Ocean create a nighttime respite for vineyards during the hot growing season.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
