2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2013 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Notes from the Winemaker, Matt Crafton, February 2016 INTRODUCTION
On a very fundamental level, our Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes what makes the Napa Valley great. This wine is really a partnership: it’s our family-owned winery, with our experience and expertise, connecting with other families – our growers – and their history and knowledge with a single goal in mind. Make the best, period. While it may seem simple, a partnership is much more than a contract. It’s a belief and understanding that one’s own success is inherently tied to the success of everyone involved. They push us and we push them; the result is a wine that is delicious, food-friendly, balanced, and that continues to be refined and redefined every year. V I N TAG E W E AT H E R
2013 has much in common with many of the vintages from the “mighty nineties.” A dry mild spring induced early stress in the Cabernet vineyards. As summer rolled in, and the fog remained at bay, we moved diligently through the blocks adjusting the vine canopies to maintain dappled sunlight on the developing berries. While nighttime temperatures preserved the acidity that most appreciate in this wine, the consistent warmth of the season is really what drives the flavor profile in this vintage. NOSE
PA L AT E
FINISH
Blackberry jam, vanilla, and allspice leap out of the glass yet gracefully yield to notes of dried plum, coffee bean, and perfume with some patience.
Deceptively soft up front, with fresh strawberry and raspberry immediately apparent. These instantly give way though to density and concentration of flavor as the tannins and acidity come into focus.
The finish is elegant and balanced with the aforementioned ripe flavors and textures of the vintage comingled with bright acid, cocoa, crème de menthe, and chalky minerality.
Technical Information H A R V E S T DAT E S
September 12 - October 9, 2013 A L CO H O L
B A R R E L AG I N G
14 months in French and Eastern European Oak, 16% New
WINEMAKER
Matt Crafton
B O T T L I N G DAT E :
14.1%
April 2015
BLEND
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc
R E L E A S E DAT E
March 1st, 2016
1429 Tubbs Lane · Calistoga, California 94515 · Tel 707-942-5105 · Fax 707-942-4221 · www.Montelena.com
On a very fundamental level, our Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes what makes the Napa Valley great. This wine is really a partnership: it’s our family-owned winery, with our experience and expertise, connecting with other families – our growers – and their history and knowledge with a single goal in mind. Make the best, period. While it may seem simple, a partnership is much more than a contract. It’s a belief and understanding that one’s own success is inherently tied to the success of everyone involved. They push us and we push them; the result is a wine that is delicious, food-friendly, balanced, and that continues to be refined and redefined every year. V I N TAG E W E AT H E R
2013 has much in common with many of the vintages from the “mighty nineties.” A dry mild spring induced early stress in the Cabernet vineyards. As summer rolled in, and the fog remained at bay, we moved diligently through the blocks adjusting the vine canopies to maintain dappled sunlight on the developing berries. While nighttime temperatures preserved the acidity that most appreciate in this wine, the consistent warmth of the season is really what drives the flavor profile in this vintage. NOSE
PA L AT E
FINISH
Blackberry jam, vanilla, and allspice leap out of the glass yet gracefully yield to notes of dried plum, coffee bean, and perfume with some patience.
Deceptively soft up front, with fresh strawberry and raspberry immediately apparent. These instantly give way though to density and concentration of flavor as the tannins and acidity come into focus.
The finish is elegant and balanced with the aforementioned ripe flavors and textures of the vintage comingled with bright acid, cocoa, crème de menthe, and chalky minerality.
Technical Information H A R V E S T DAT E S
September 12 - October 9, 2013 A L CO H O L
B A R R E L AG I N G
14 months in French and Eastern European Oak, 16% New
WINEMAKER
Matt Crafton
B O T T L I N G DAT E :
14.1%
April 2015
BLEND
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc
R E L E A S E DAT E
March 1st, 2016
1429 Tubbs Lane · Calistoga, California 94515 · Tel 707-942-5105 · Fax 707-942-4221 · www.Montelena.com
