Rafael Pere et Fils Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
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The winemaker, Brad Kitson, has similarly followed an interesting journey to wine. His early career was in high tech however he always sensed a greater calling to the vineyards, and ultimately embarked on a Masters Degree in Viticulture & Enology at the University of California-Davis. Upon completion, Brad spent five years as Assistant Winemaker at renowned winery Farella Vineyard before joining us full time in 2010. Brad has created a trademark style for our wines rooted in traditional methods with the desire to let the terroir of the grape exist front and center.
At the beginning, Domaine Georg Rafael wines were marketed to a narrow audience almost exclusively within the hotel industry and never sought press or ratings. However, today Brad and Marc Rafael have taken on the task of bringing the wines to a broader audience of wine loving aficionados. They currently have distribution in close to fifteen states across the United States, as well as Thailand, China, Taiwan, the Philippines, India and the UK. These exciting steps represent a thrilling new chapter in truly establishing Domaine Georg Rafael wines globally, all the while upholding our principle to under promise & over deliver in every respect of how they engage in the world of wine.
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.