Vintage

The 2009 vintage produced bold, juicy wines despite the down production. The season started with a snapping frost season and weather conditions that were not ideal for pollination causing shatter to occur in many of the clusters around the valley. Titus Vineyards benefited from the long, moderate growing season in our valley floor location. With no true heat spikes to further along the harvest markers many were caught by the rain while waiting for sugars to rise. Here at Titus Vineyards, our last day of harvest was the exact day before the first rain. Yields were 30% down from a ‘normal’ year but the fruit was dark and flavorful.

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

The 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has a shimmering, deep purple and ruby color. The nose is alluring and complex with aromas of black cherry, passion fruit, tamarind, lychee, sweet powdered cocoa, mulling spice and notes of brown sugar and oak spice. The mouth-feel is soft, full-bodied, and rich with well integrated, fine grain tannins give way to lush, juicy flavors of sweet pomegranate, ripe plum, and strawberry accompanied by chocolate, and anise in addition to the aromas that follow through to the palate. This wine is sure to be a crowd pleaser in any and all situations. Recommended drinking time is five to fifteen years from vintage. 

Detailed Wine Information

Vineyard Manager: Eric Titus

Winemaker: Phillip Titus

Appellation: Napa Valley

Blend: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, 5% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc

Harvest Dates: October 2009

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

Bottled: July 2011

Cases Produced: 2065

Alcohol: 14.9%

Total Acidity: .63 grams/100ml

pH: 3.71

Release Date: March 5, 2012