Tech Notes
Wine Details
By Fleury Estate
2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
Vintage
The near-perfect 2016 growing season began early and saw ideal weather conditions throughout. In part due to a relatively steady and mild July and August and a series of warm days at the end of the growing season, our vineyards were able to achieve perfect ripeness. Veraison came early, accompanied by a few heat spells. Fortunately, these heat spells were followed by periods of cool weather, allowing the vines to recuperate and preserve great aromatic precursors in the fruit. Berry size was moderate, and the overall fruit condition was good, yielding wines that are deep, layered, and refined.
Vineyard
Sourced entirely from the Fleury Estate owned and farmed vineyard located in Rutherford, Napa Valley. This beautifully manicured vineyard sits alongside the winery where the wonderful wine was crafted. The often referenced "Rutherford dust" tannin structure is one of many reasons Rutherford is known as one of Napa Valley's most esteemed viticultural areas. There is little dispute that Rutherford's climate and terroir create characteristics unique to wine from this region. Planted amongst the valley floor, with rows running east and west, the vineyard produces rich and full-flavored wines with beautiful chocolate notes. The location offers ideal sun exposure throughout the day, which helps develop the lush, intense fruit one would expect from such a magnificent property.
Winemaking
The vineyard itself is harvested as two separate blocks, front and back. These are then fermented and aged separately. Blended back together closer to bottling allows for full expression of each sub-block, producing a wine of elegance, specificity, grace, and power. Fermented in small, closed-top, stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. Five-day cold soak; 25 to 29 days total maceration. Gentle pump-overs and delestage. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels.
Tasting Notes
Dark garnet red in color and made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced entirely from our estate vineyard, the 2016 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is remarkable! Bountiful and vibrant aromas of graphite, oak spices, black cherry, tobacco leaf, clove, and violets delight your senses immediately. Crushed berries, dried dirt, sliced raw meat, and chocolate complement each other. Layered, complex, focused, and persistent, the palate is multi-dimensional, full-bodied, and decadent. Dust-like tannins and mouthwatering acidity lead to a polished and beautiful finish.
Technical Notes
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 22 months, 75% new French oak barrels
Bottling: Bottled unfiltered and unfined
[Information provided by Matador Vino]
Region:
Napa Valley
Vintage:
2016
Grape:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Country:
United States
Unit Size:
750.00 ML
Alcohol Percentage:
14.50
Appellation:
Rutherford