2007 Titus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
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Vintage
Our 2007 grape crop exhibited many high quality wine indicators as a result of the year's lower rainfall, early bloom, timely veraison and moderate temperatures. The limited amount of vine stress due to low rainfall over the winter and a solid, warm summer without a lot of heat spikes fostered even grape ripening. The cluster shapes and berry sizes looked ideal. The crop was smaller, with lighter clusters, smaller berries, and thicker skins lending a tannic bite that will yield wines with exceptional structure and age-worthiness. There was an ideal mix of well ripened and just-right berries with very little variation. We expected a short, furious harvest; however, it ended up being one of the longer ones starting September 14th and ending on October 15th.
Vineyard
Our family vineyard, located on the valley floor just north of St. Helena on the Silverado Trail, possesses well-drained, sandy, alluvial soils and is characterized by its ability to produce complex wines with well-defined fruit flavors, gentle acids and naturally balanced tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines vary in age. They were most recently planted between the years 1996 to 2001 and are a combination of the 337 and See clones. Further north, our Ehlers Lane Vineyard consists of a stony, dry streambed and a knoll composed of thin gravelly soil over hard volcanic ash. Planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon these infertile soils produce low yields of grapes with concentrated flavors.
Vinification
Following harvest, the grapes were de-stemmed but not crushed, allowing increased control over tannin extraction by minimizing the possibility of broken skins and split seeds. Following a 48-hour cold soak to extract color and flavor, the grapes underwent a warm, short fermentation, with pump-overs occurring twice daily. The free-run juice was transferred to oak barrels, where it underwent malolactic fermentation.
Wine Profile
Our 2007 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a shimmering, intense purple and ruby color. The nose is alluring and complex with aromas of black cherry, blueberry, lavender, currant, apple, sweet basil leaf and exotic notes of toasted chocolate, crème Brule and oak spice. The mouth-feel is full-bodied and rich with well integrated, fine grain tannins give way to lush, juicy flavors of blackberry and blueberry accompanied by dark chocolate, and anise. The finish is long and velvety with sweet cherry, clove spice, tobacco and pencil shavings. Recommended drinking time is five to ten years from vintage. Maximum suggested aging is fifteen years from vintage.
Detailed Wine Information
Vineyard Manager: Eric Titus
Winemaker: Phillip Titus
Appellation: Napa Valley
Blend: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 1% Merlot 1% Cabernet Franc
Harvest Dates: 10/1/07 - 10/5/07
Barrel Aging: 22 months - 80% French Oak, 20% American Oak (40% new barrels)
Bottled: July 2009
Cases Produced: 4,448
Alcohol: 14.5%
Total Acidity: .60 grams/100ml
pH: 3.74
Release Date: March15, 2010
