Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (2006)

Chris Dearden. This is only the third release from George's perfectly situated east-facing Morningside Vineyard at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in Yountville. The is a marvelous wine combining the wonderful richness and body of Napa Cabernet fruit with the lovely, elegant cherry spice fruit of Sangiovese, complex notes of vanillin oak and a fascinating mineral nuance from the well-drained, rocky hillside vineyard. Better yet is the wine's finish - long and silky with tantalizing layers of fruit that never seem to stop." "Having had the pleasure to taste all three vintages of Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon, I can truthfully say each succeeding wine has improved upon the previous vintage, no doubt testament to the maturity of the vineyard and Chris' deft hand at winemaking. At this rate it won't be long before the phrase Super Napan transcends Super Tuscan." Peter Marks, Master of Wine (MW)* Curator of Wine COPIA, American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts Napa, California *Peter Marks is one of only 18 Americans to hold the prestigious Master of Wine (MW) title, the highest level of educational achievement recognized internationally by the wine industry. The 2002 Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded a gold medal at the San Francisco International Wine Competition. There were over 2000 wines from over 1000 wineries representing 18 countries entered in the competition. Tasting/Pairing Notes The 2002 Chanticleer Cabernet Sauvignon is an opulent wine with characteristics consistent with the finest Cabernets from the Napa Valley. The aroma is enticingly rich with cocoa, coffee and sweet plums. On the palate there are blackberries, plum jam, toffee and sandalwood. The entry is soft but full of flavor with an ample mid palate and a concentrated, fine grain tannin finish. This wine will pair well with simply prepared beef dishes, lamb shank, black truffle risotto and chocolate decadence. The wine will evolve and age well over the next decade. Winemaking On the clear cool morning of October 11, 2002 the grapes were handpicked from the Morningside Vineyard. Gentle destemming and open-topped fermentation with a combination of soft pumpovers and hand-maceration, typify the winemaking process. After a 36 day maceration period, the wine was lightly pressed and transferred to a combination of 75% new and 25% used, small French oak barrels. It was gravity racked over the 24 months in barrel; decanted for clarity and freshness. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered on November 23, 2004, and given four months bottle age prior to release. Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 91 %, Sangiovese 9 % Brix at Harvest: 24.8 - 25.3 Alcohol: 14.2% by Volume Production: 318 Cases    (hide)