Our grape sources are from four vineyards in six sub-appellations that span the Napa Valley: Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford and Carneros. They offer great diversity - from moderate to very up-valley climate, and clayey to gravelly, rocky and volcanic mountain soils. The average vine age is close to 20 years, and yields in the 2001 vintage averaged 3.1 tons per acre. Winemaking Following hand-harvesting, the grapes were destemmed only (whole berries). Fermentations were conducted in a combination of open-top vessels with a punch-down device and closed tanks with gentle cap irrigators. Several types of yeast were used for both inoculated and uninoculated fermenting. Most lots were pressed directly to barrel, and malolactic fermentations finished in barrel. Post-fermentation, selected lots underswent extended maceration averaging 45 days for further phenolic development. After one year, the wines were racked and returned to barrel for an additional year of aging. Tasting Notes Classic scents of vibrant ripe fruits -- currants, cassis and black cherry -- and cedar lead this well-structured wine. Concentrated ripe and rich fruit flavors pave the way to a polished and long finish. 9,565 cases produced, Alcohol content, 14.3% by volume.

Wine Spectator "…this winery has produced one of the best Cabernet values of the vintage." James Laube. Houston Chronicle "Good effort from a difficult vintage; good fruit and structure, with only drawback being a twinge of astringency that should ameliorate in a few months." Three stars. The Press Democrat "Lovely. Good varietal character. A well-made cab. Flavors of mint, cedar, blackberry, black cherry, cola and chocolate. Long finish." Four stars. Wine Spectator "Very ripe and jammy, with charry oak flavors leading to a core of juicy cherry, plum and wild berry notes and a round, warm, spicy finish. Drink now through 2006." Denver Post "A lesson in central Napa (Rutherford) fruit: dusty, earthy tannins and tastes, with lots of sweet, aromatic wood in the nose. Delicious." Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wines "...this ripe, richly oaked wine displays enticing elements of plum, vanilla, cedar and dark cherries throughout its length. If fairly weighty on the palate, the wine is neatly balanced and never close to being heavy..." One star. Quarterly Review of Wines "California Best of the Best. Medium ruby color; lovely ripe black currant nose; lush, ripe, cassis and chocolate flavors; soft, succulent finish." Very Good.