Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
Steve Matthiasson, who was farming this Mayacamas benchland site in 2017, found the vines in the gravelly loam soil rarely needed irrigation. The subtle beauty of this wine makes a strong case for a prime site that warrants care- ful farming. The voice of the vineyard comes through in woodland scents of purple flow- ers, cool herbs and a vibrant intensity without weight. It’s ripe rather than fruity, powered by earthy tension, the longevity of its flavors leaving a lovely memory after each sip.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Complex notes of red and black fruits, saddle leather, dried flowers, and earth all emerge from the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hen Vineyard. These carry to a medium-bodied, nicely textured, elegant red with Old World charm. Enjoy bottles over the coming decade.
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, Malbecand 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.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.