Vintage
Overall, the 2006 growing season was long and steady with the exception of a cool spring with late rains and a heat spike in July. All the grapes were harvested in alignment with our predictions avoiding everything coming in at once. Interestingly, harvest at Titus Vineyards began ten days later than we would typically end allowing the grapes to benefit from the extended hang time resulting in optimum ripeness without the threat of bad weather. The lengthy 2006 growing season gifted these wines with lively aromatics, well balanced flavor profiles with beautiful concentration, and solid structure that will benefit the wines long term.

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
Bright, complex, and intense, our 2006 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon displays concentrated aromas of black currant, cherry, blackberry, dried apricot, violet, tarragon, coriander and dark cocoa mingling with undertones of baking spices and sweet tobacco. The palate is juicy and mouth-filling with well balanced structure and complexity. Vibrant flavors of bing cherries, pomegranate, raspberry, cranberry and blueberry are enveloped with layers of baking and pepper spices, chocolate, and hints of cigar wrapping leaf. The finish is smooth with lasting round tannins, toasty oak, and coffee. Recommended drinking time is three to five years from vintage, with about one hour of decanting prior to drinking. Maximum suggested aging is thirteen years from vintage.

Detailed Wine Information

Vineyard Manager:        Eric Titus

Winemaker:                  Phillip Titus

Appellation:                  Napa Valley

Blend:                          80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 6% Malbec, 5% Merlot

Harvest Dates:              10/10/06 - 10/25/06

Barrel Aging:                 22 months - 80% French Oak, 20% American Oak (40% new barrels)

Bottled:                        July 2008

Cases Produced:            4,402

Alcohol:                        14.7%

Total Acidity:                .56 grams/100ml

pH:                              3.77

Release Date:                January 15, 2009