2018 Chase Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT CHASE CREEK

This limited-production wine pays tribute to our ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our land and community. Chase Creek runs through our property and is part of a watershed that is crucial to the health of Napa Valley’s ecosystem. Our creek restoration work in our estate vineyards has helped to not only create a healthier watershed, but also to help us produce more vibrant, energetic wines. 

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

Chase Creek, an offshoot of the Napa River, courses along the western edge of our S.L.V. and FAY vineyards in the Stags Leap District. Over time, erosion diverted the creek from its natural course, and non-native plants took over the creek banks. We replaced these invasive growths with native plants, which attract beneficial insects and pest-fighting raptors, hawks and owls. Bobcats and coyotes roam the riparian corridor adjacent to our vineyards, and we’ve seen less soil erosion since the restoration—even after flooding in 2006. The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, primarily from FAY Block 1, which is located right between the FAY Outlook & Visitor Center and Chase Creek. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak and 50% older French oak.

VINTAGE

The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool – a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. We completed the harvest for our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – and began picking our red grapes – a good month later than in 2017 (and two weeks later than normal). Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.

TASTING NOTES

The 2018 Chase Creek Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of black tea, raspberry, red currant, and dried herbs. Medium bodied, the wine has a bright texture with pleasing flavors of black olive and toasty oak.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Try serving this wine with prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin or grilled bone-in pork chops with sautéed wild mushrooms.