By Chaix
Cabernet Sauvignon Vintner's Cuvee 2017

The Vineyard
Chaix Family Vineyards is a 38-acre parcel in the center of the exclusive Rutherford Bench, which runs for about three miles along the west side of Highway 29 in the Napa Valley. It has been family-owned since 1909 and making wine since 2008. The deep, loamy benchland soil produces the lush fruit character for which area Cabernets are known. The wine is cultivated from Block 2 planted in 2001 with clone 337, Block 5 planted in 2003 with clone 4, and Block 6 planted in 1998 also with clone 4. All blocks have Freedom as the rootstock.

Vintage Notes
Heavy rains ended the multi-year drought in the winter months and slightly delayed the start of the growing season compared to the previous year. The vines grew rapidly with the increased moisture throughout the spring and summer. The soil moisture helped buffer the effects of a hot summer.

Tasting Notes
The 2017 Cuvee is sensual and inviting and displays the deep ripe fruit flavors and minerality of benchland Cabernet. Deep purple with aromas of cherry, dark berries, and slate. Smooth and juicy on the palate with firm tannins and a flavorful finish.

Elevage
Harvested 10/10/2017, the fruit was destemmed and optically sorted. The must underwent a cold soak for two days and twice-daily punch-downs during fermentation, spending 15 days on the skins, full malolactic fermentation, and 22 months in medium toast French oak (60% new).

Technical Details
Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Bottled: 1/22/2020
pH: 3.82
TA: 7.64 g/L
Alcohol: 15.90%
[Information provided by Chaix Wines]