2019 Rancho Chimiles Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT RANCHO CHIMILES
We are fortunate to source grapes from some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growers in the Napa Valley. To honor the vineyards that stand out, each year we will produce the Distinguished Vineyards wines. In 2019, for the second time, we chose Rancho Chimiles Vineyard in Wooden Valley as one of those vineyards because of their rich history and commitment to quality.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Tucked into the hills of Wooden Valley northeast of the town of Napa, the Rancho Chimiles vineyard is influenced by nearby San Pablo Bay, which funnels cool air and fog into the area in the evening and early morning hours. But at an elevation of 615 feet, the vineyard also receives plenty of sunshine. Terrence Wilson, owner of Rancho Chimiles and one of our longtime friends, is a meticulous grower whose philosophy of farming matches our own.
The 2019 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak. The wine was bottled without filtration.
VINTAGE
Spring in Napa Valley was wet with significant rain that increased canopy growth and caused some shatter during bloom in the vineyards. Our vineyard team worked diligently to balance canopies and fruit load, and to expose the fruit to the sun at the right time. Following this wet and cool start to the year that resulted in a lot of vigor, the summer gave way to near ideal growing conditions. Like 2018, a long growing season allowed for grapes to reach optimal ripeness. Yields were less than 2018 and harvest was later than usual. The main challenge this harvest was powering wineries with generators, as the power company shut off electricity to mitigate any potential fires due to high winds. Fires in upper Sonoma did not affect northern Napa Valley vineyards, and winds kept smoke out of the valley. Overall quality is quite high. Whites are aromatic and crisp, and Cabernet has beautiful dark fruit aromas, nice complexity, and more richness than 2018.
TASTING NOTES
An elegant Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black currant, black olives, lavender, licorice and notes of dark chocolate. The wine has a pleasing coating texture with layers of boysenberry and mocha. The finish is long with a touch of cedar and spice.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Enjoy this Cabernet with its Bordeaux-like style, with pappardelle with sausage Ragu or braised short ribs.