2010 Bell Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The Wine
Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend created from select vineyards and appellations within the renowned Napa Valley. Drawing on his experience with Cabernet Sauvignon clones and his intimate knowledge of sub-appellations within the region, Anthony has created a wine that builds upon the unique terroir of Napa Valley. Our 2010 vintage is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet franc (4%), Syrah (3%) from vineyards in Rutherford, Yountville, and Mount Veeder. The wine was aged in a combination of French (60%) and American (40%) oak barrels, of which 60% were new barrels, for 20 months. The wine was not fined and received a screen filtration prior to bottling.

Vintage Notes
The 2010 vintage was characterized by cooler than normal growing conditions resulting in a later than usual start of the harvest. Rainfall returned in 2010 after three dry years, pushed bud break, flowering and fruit-set back by at least two weeks at the front end of the growing season, and due to the cloud cover, there was fortunately no frost damage in 2010. Veraison was two to three weeks later than usual, and the cool weather continued during the summer. A two-day heat spike in late August (the only one of the season!) caused some sunburn damage, especially in vineyards where aggressive leaf removal had recently been undertaken in anticipation of a late, wet harvest. The long, cool growing season resulted in concentrated fruit flavors, great natural acidity and flavors that will materialize into elegant, structured wines, almost European in style. A very promising vintage for our style of wines.

Tasting Notes
The 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet is a wonderful example of why Napa Valley is a great place to grow the red Bordeaux varietals. In the glass, the wine shows its dark ruby color while aromas of cassis and dark berries rise up to your nose. The medium body tannins and sweet oak give way to flavors of coffee and cocoa. The wine’s layers of complexity are derived from grapes grown in selected vineyards in the Rutherford, Yountville, and Mount Veeder AVAs. The Cabernet franc add flavors of earth, mineral, and mushrooms, while the Syrah brings spice and rich fruit to the wine. Crafted in a rich, concentrated European style, this wine pairs well with flavorful, full-bodied meals, and will develop a harmonious smoothness with age. Excellent today, the wine will also reward those with the patience to cellar it.

Technical Analysis
Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon (81%), Merlot (12%), Cabernet franc (4%), Syrah (3%)
Appellation Napa Valley
Total Acid 0.61 gm/100ml
pH 3.80
Alcohol 14.6%
Aging 20 months in 60% French, 40% American Oak, 60% new
Bottle Date July 2012
Production 500 cases (6-pack)