Winter Release Tench Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Library Release)
2017

Winemaker’s Notes

The long-established Tench Vineyard is the provenance of many famed Napa Valley Cabernets. Planted on the eroded remains of an ancient volcanic landslide on the east side of Oakville, the site's dark red volcanic clays—the rockiest soils imaginable—give the wine its clear site signature: precise, definitive and bold. Our micro-offering hails from a selection of mature vines at the top of the vineyard, adjacent to the Silverado Trail - the most perfect Cabernet terroir imaginable.

The aromatics are deep and luxurious, endless layers are revealed with time in the glass: lifted cassis, mixed deep black fruits, hints of crushed rock, sweet tobacco and violet. On the palate, cherry compote and kirsch lead to wild berry liqueur and licorice with a flinty peppery underscore—the mouthfeel layered and plush. Powerful, round fine-grained tannins frame the core to give focus and balance. Rising notes of cocoa and clove give lift to the wine’s long finish. Truly special micro-production Cabernet.

While irresistible right now, the vineyard’s pedigree and the wine’s stature offer serious long term aging potential. I suggest decanting for at least two hours if drinking soon after release to allow the wine’s deep fruit core to fully unfold. The wine can easily age for 20 years in a cool cellar which will allow all its natural complexities to be fully revealed.

Andy Smith