2018 Wappo Hill Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

The Vintage

2018 was a near picture-perfect growing season that began in late February followed by a mild Spring yielding uniform grape clusters. Temperatures remained moderate to cool throughout the season with 2018 being considered one of the coolest vintages of the past decade. The cooler temperatures allowed for a longer hangtime resulting in an even and temperate harvest.

Tasting Notes

A deep-garnet purple in the glass, this 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon greets the nose with savory aromas of baked berries, crème de cassis and dried flowers. The plush mouthfeel has expressive dark fruit flavors that are complemented by a touch of spice and cinnamon. Full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity, the bold and lingering finish is layered with notes of earthiness.

Winemaker’s Notes

Harvested in the early morning hours between October 14 and October 29, the grapes are from three vineyards that reflect the terroir of Wappo Hill. The majority of the grapes are from a vineyard located in east Yountville located off State Lane, followed by a vineyard in Stag’s Leap, with the balance coming from a single vineyard in St. Helena. The cooler climate of Yountville, which experiences fog from the San Pablo bay, brings out the textural component of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape along with bright fruit flavors. Producing smaller berries and lower yields, the Stag’s Leap vineyard imparts good tannin structure and intense, concentrated flavors into the wine. The result is a Cabernet Sauvignon of great distinction and finesse. The grapes went through extended maceration before aging for 20 months in small French oak barrels, 25% new, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered on September 4, 2020.

Technical

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Napa Valley
Alcohol: 15.0%
pH: 3.85
TA: 5.9
Aging: 20 months in 25% new French oak
Production: 32 cases bottled unfined and unfiltered