Cakebread Cellars Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Our classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a fragrant, complex bouquet of ripe blackberry and boysenberry complemented by notes of dark chocolate and toasty oak. Rich and smooth on the palate, the sumptuous dark fruit is balanced by fresh acidity and lush tannins with a lingering, elegant finish and a hint minerality. Enjoy this wine now, with everything from filet mignon to fire-roasted portobello mushrooms—or lay the wine down and watch it continue to develop complexity in the bottle for years to come.

VINEYARDS & VINTAGE

We blend our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from special spots throughout the region: The renowned cabernet sauvignon appellations of Rutherford and Oakville impart classic Napa Valley bold fruit intensity, while the warmer Calistoga area to the north, and the cooler southern reaches of the Suscol watershed contribute layers of complexity and depth of flavor. These distinct sites with diverse soils and microclimates enable us to craft a rich, yet elegant classic Bordeaux-style blend that highlights the best of the Napa Valley.

The 2019 growing season began with plentiful rainfall to fill the soils across the Napa Valley. Temperatures were cooler than usual which resulted in a longer harvest. Ample sunshine allowed the clusters to ripen slowly and evenly, showcasing fruit with its distinct varietal aromas and concentrated flavors.

WINEMAKING

We hand harvested grapes during the cool night hours to ensure the fruit retained freshness, purity, and natural acidity. Clusters were hand-sorted and destemmed. Partial crush gave us optimum extraction of color, flavor, and tannin from the grape skins. Prior to fermentation, grapes underwent a “cold soak,” which softens the grape skins and further helps extract color and tannin. The wine aged in French oak barrels (50% new) for 17 months, then our winemaker blended the diverse components to add layers of complexity to the wine.