Franciscan Cabernet Oakville Estate

Description

”TASTING NOTES Deep garnet in color with aromas of ripe black currant, dark cherry, and a hint of sage that create a rich and profuse nose. Sweet vanilla and spicy clove notes complement layers of luscious dark fruit. A well-structured palate is built from big shoulders and supple backbonetypical of Oakville fruit. Substantial presence is perceived by a full mouthfeel and a weighty mid-palate. Lovely depth of dense cassis and ripe blackberry lingers with a layered finish of cocoa, vanilla and anise.VINEYARD NOTES The 2013 vintage gave us near perfect growing conditions which led to an early harvest. Spring conditions were warm and dry which led to an early bud break and very even set. Aside from one hot spell at the end of June, temperatures remained moderate throughout the spring and summer. With only 8 inches of rain from January through June, the vines had less green growth and an earlier turn to fruit development. Early October saw a major north wind event, bringing dry air off the arid northern CA interior down across the coastal areas. Humidity during October 3-7 was very low, single digits, with strong winds buffeting all parts of Napa. Thirsty vineyards prompted harvest to accelerate even more than usual. In 7 days we brought in ~24% of our fruit. The first Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville was harvested off a young block on September 13th with the last of the Cabernet Sauvignon hitting the hopper on October 22nd. As harvest progressed, we became more and more aware that the color and intensity of Bordeaux reds in the 2013 vintage would lead to a truly phenomenal vintage.WINEMAKER NOTES The Franciscan Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon showcases our Oakville roots, and our devotion to estate vineyard fruit and this venerable appellation. We have been producing Cabernet Sauvignon from our Oakville Estate since 1975. This bottling is an opportunity to craft a very limited, hand-selected blend from small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon showing textbook Oakville structure and body. A nice portion of Malbec adds deep color, plushy mouthfeel, and bright berry fruit notes. I love the combination of flavors and textures to create a powerful yet elegant wine. – Janet Myers, WinemakerFermentation Pre-fermentation cold soak of 4 days to enhance color and body. Fermentation and maceration averaging 22 days to build structure and integrate mouthfeel.”- Franciscan Estate