2013 Merryvale Cabernet Sauvignon Saint Helena

Winemaking

Merryvale’s St. Helena Estate Vineyard lies on an eastern ridge overlooking the Napa Valley at almost one thousand feet of elevation. Planted in 1997, this vineyard consistently delivers grapes that stand out for their plush fruit character, complexity and silky tannins. The handpicked grapes were allowed to cold soak for 5 days after arrival at the winery, allowing a long and gentle extraction to take place. They then spent 21 days on skins before undergoing native fermentation. We aged the wine for 20 months in 90% new and 10% second fill French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

A quintessential Napa Cabernet, this wine is rich and dark in the glass. Aromas of blackberry and cherry begin the experience. Upon tasting, the wine has a broad and pleasant entry, moving to a focused and weighty mid palate with notes of cassis, toast and graphite. A lengthy finish shows well proportioned tannin that are approachable in youth and will gain even more complexity as time passes. With proper cellaring, this wine will drink beautifully for the next 15 to 20 years.