2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Titratable Acidity: 0.57 g/100ml
pH: 3.67
Alcohol Level: 13.8%
Bottling Date: July 2006
Release Date: May 2007
Wine Tasting Notes
Our 2004 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits currant and raspberry aromas with undertones of cassis and deep blackberry flavors. A touch of spicy oak brings elements of vanilla and clove to the palate. Rich and plush, this wine possesses ripe, mouth-coating tannins, complemented by the finesse inherent in fruit from the William Hill Estate Vineyard.
Viticulture Notes
The 2004 vintage will be remembered by one word: early. Warm, summer-like weather started in March and continued all through the spring, resulting in an early bud break and accelerating the entire growing season—from bloom to veraison to harvest. Late summer hot spells followed the warm spring, creating growing conditions that allowed for one of the earliest harvest periods in almost a decade, with picking starting two to three weeks earlier than past vintages.
Winemaker Notes
The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were completely hand harvested from September 11 through October 27. Extractive fermentation was implemented to maximize ripe tannins and was followed by extended post-fermentation maceration to enhance the finesse of the young wine lots. Following pressing, malolactic fermentation was completed in tank, after which the wines were racked to barrels for maturation. This Cabernet was aged for 18 months primarily in French oak (28% new). Final evaluation and blending of the individual lots occurred just prior to bottling.
