Winemaker Notes
The 2022 PlumpJack Estate Cabernet Sauvignon opens with vibrant aromas of cherry and raspberry cordial intermingled with juicy boysenberry. Beneath the fruit, warming spices emerge – cinnamon and nutmeg bring depth to the wine, while a touch of cocoa adds to the complexity. Finally, a subtle note of sage infuses the wine with an herbal freshness that lifts the wine. The palate reveals a silky texture complemented by a fine, energetic tannin that provides a seamless structure. A mouth-watering acidity gives this wine verve and life while pulling the wine to the back of the palate, leaving a lasting impression of vibrant fruit and warming spice.
Blend: 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Deep and brooding aromas of blackberry compote, blackcurrants, mocha and dried herbs. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and a generous mouthfeel that is finely integrated, showing layers of mocha, blackcurrants, blood plums, cassis and cured meat. A very fresh yet structured wine that doesn't reflect the difficulties of the vintage.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Bottled after 19 months in two-thirds new French oak, Plumpjack's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate certainly isn't shy on the wood-derived notes, adding vanilla, brown sugar and cinnamon scents to a base of cassis fruit. In the mouth, this full-bodied effort is supple and chocolaty, with mocha and caramel notes joining fine-grained tannins on the finish.
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.
Home to some of the most sought-after Cabernet Sauvignon in America, Napa Valley’s Oakville district stretches across the center of Napa's valley floor and foothills between the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. This AVA is home to the legendary To Kalon Vineyard and Martha's Vineyard, as well as many powerhouse wineries including Screaming Eagle, Silver Oak, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Far Niente and Groth.
The climate is generally warm and agreeable, resulting in year after year of favorable vintages. Summer days see a gentle tug of war between warmer inland air and the cool air coming in from the San Pablo Bay, creating an ideal environment to grow red varieties. Oakville's diverse soils, namely ancient sea bedrock, clay and gravel, are well-drained, and perfect for high-caliber viticulture.
Cabernet here is often bottled varietally but is also popular in Bordeaux Blends. Oakville wines are known for their silky, sensual textures, structured tannins, dark and brooding fruit and lovely aromatics. These age-worthy and prestigious wines are favored by collectors throughout the world.