WINEMAKER NOTESUpon hand harvesting in the early morning hours, our grapes were carefully destemmed and sent to tank for a whole-berry fermentation. The grapes were cold-soaked in tank at 45 ̊F for 4-7 days, allowing for increased color, aroma, and flavor extraction. After inoculation with a select yeast, the grape must (juice, skins, and seeds) fermented at 82 ̊F, which allowed for a hot extraction on the skins. For fermentation cap management, the juice was pumped over the skins two times per day, wetting the cap evenly for a nice healthy fermentation. After fermentation and pressing, the 2019 vintage wines were aged in 75% new French oak and 25% neutral oak. During assemblage (blending) the best representations of each Bordeaux varietal were selected from the highest quality barrel lots. The final barrel selection was a Baron Culte 140, which is seasoned outside at the Baron barrel cooperage in France for 40 months. Upon crafting the barrel, it is toasted over low heat embers for 2 separate days. This slow toasting process gives greater textural mouthfeel and toasted caramel nuances to a finished wine. The final 2019 V de V blend is 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. The wine was bottled after 26 months in barrel and was unfined and unfiltered.
THE VINTAGEThe 2019 vintage was a long, ideal growing season for our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Bud break began in late March to early April, leading to a Spring that was mild and dry. Flowering proved to be long and gave way to a healthy set of uniform grape clusters. Summer was also quite warm and long, leading to a cooling effect near the end of the season and into Fall. Throughout the vineyard growing season, there were no heat spikes and the temperatures were steady and even-keel. The consistent summer weather encouraged our grapes to ripen in mid-September to late October when they were in perfect balance.
WINE FACTSWinemaker: Jason Moulton Appellation: Napa ValleyBlend: 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 6% Malbec, 4% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet FrancAlcohol: 14.9%
