Vintage

The 2013 vintage delivered one of the most ideal growing seasons to date. The year began with a warm, dry spring that laid the foundation for an exceptional fruit set. Despite one heat spike in late June, the vines had perfect conditions to move through each growth stage with ease. The vines were a picture perfect representation of health, as the grapes moved through veraison. The long, dry summer gave way to one of the earliest harvests to date in the history of Napa Valley. With no inclement weather in sight, vineyard managers had time on their side to pick at the optimal moment of balance and ripeness to create the best expression of their terrior. The wines from this vintage will represent the best of what Napa Valley can do and will be sought after the world over

Vineyard

Our Family Estate Reserve vineyard, located on Ehlers Lane, consists of a stony, dry streambed and a knoll composed of thin gravelly soil over hard volcanic ash. Planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon, clone 337, these infertile soils produce low yields of grapes with concentrated flavors. To this we add our blending varietals, grown further south on our Ranch House Estate. Located on the valley floor just north of St. Helena on the Silverado Trail, it 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.

Wine Profile

Characteristically purple-black in color, the 2013 Family Estate Reserve Cabernet offers up scents of full, rich cherry-blueberry compote, toasted grains and coffee cream, deepening on the palate to black currant jam, rum-raisin, red caramel apple, and soft rose oil. Full bodied mouthfeel, well integrated finely grained tannins and a stellar never-ending finish make this supremely approachable, sublimely ageable wine a treat for the soul and the senses.

Technical Information

Vineyard Manager:      Eric Titus

Winemaker:                 Phillip Titus

Appellation:                 Napa Valley

Blend:                         92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec

Cases Produced:          780

Release:                     August 2015

Barrel Aging:              20 months, French Oak, 80% New

Bottled:                    June 2015       

Alcohol:           14.9%             

Total Acidity:   .59g/100 ml

pH:                  3.85