Winemaker Notes
The Cain Concept is the ripest, roundest, fullest wine in the winery's collection. The 2012 is a vintage of wonderful ripeness, that epitomizes our ideals of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in the classic Benchlands of the Napa Valley. It displays the aromatic complexity, smooth entry, balanced mouthfeel and graceful finish, which are the signatures of the Cain style. One of the best Napa vintages of recent history, the 2012 expresses all the warm, generous fruitiness which Cabernet Sauvignon can offer when grown in the best sites of the Napa Valley. It is simply bursting with fragrant aromas of fruit, flowers, tobacco and spice, all layered over a zesty, juicy structure that promises many years to come. Blend: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Cabernet Sauvignon dominates at 80%, with lesser roles taken by 10% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Less opulent than the 2013, this has discreet, smoky blackcurrant aromas and a light savoury tone. The palate is relatively lean, with red fruits and fresh acidity. Perhaps it lacks some weight, but it’s refined, persistent and cool. Good length and balance.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.