By Notre Vin
2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee L'Etrier

Technical Notes
Grape Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest: October 4th
Aging: 18 months in 75% new French oak barrels
Alcohol: 13.80%
TA: 5.20 g/L
pH: 3.75

Grape Source
The grapes for the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon come from selected cooler hillside vineyards in the Napa Valley AVA, hand-picked in 35-pound picking lugs on October 4th.

Vinification
Respect and protection of the fruit are our number one objective during the process. The grapes were hand-harvested at sunrise and carried immediately to the winery in small picking lugs to be de-stemmed and entirely hand-sorted on our state-of-the-art sorting tables prior to a four-day cold soak at 37 degrees F. The alcoholic fermentation and extended maceration happened in temperature-controlled small tanks for four to five weeks, depending on the lots. The wine was then barreled into 75% new French oak barrels in order to go through the malolactic fermentation and 18 months of aging, at which time tasting, topping, and racking the barrels became our duty until the bottling. We did not fine nor filter the wine prior to bottling to keep it as expressive and balanced as possible.

Tasting Notes
The 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows an attractive ruby/purple color along with delightful aromas of ripe blackberry and cassis, with a floral component of white blossom and fruit with almonds and peach. The wine is rich, dense, and concentrated, with great balance, nice spice, and beautifully ripe well-coated tannins that translate into a generous, silky wine with power and charm. One of the best Napa Valley Cabernets we've ever made. It is a delight now, but it can be cellared for further enjoyment for the next decade or more.
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

2012 Notre Vin Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee l'Etrier
Producer: Notre Vin
From: USA, California, North Coast, Napa Valley
Color: Red
Type: Table
Sweetness: Dry
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating: (92 - 94)
Release Price: $75
Drink Date: 2013 - 2033
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Issue Date: 30th Oct 2013
Source: 209, The Wine Advocate
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee l’Etrier exhibits more charcoal, graphite and smoke characteristics along with the vintage’s superb ripeness, sweet tannins and well integrated acidity. This rich, nicely layered, impressive 2012 should provide enjoyment over the next 20 years.

NOTRE VIN CABERNET SAUVIGNON NAPA VALLEY CUVEE L'ETRIER 2012
Monday, December 12, 2016
Country: United States
Region: California
Vintage: 2012
Score: 92
Aromas of blackberries, nuts and orange peel follow through to a palate with a medium to full body, fine tannins and a subtle finish. Better in 2018 but already a beauty.

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon Cuvee L'Etrier Napa Valley
Producer: Notre Vin
Place of Origin: United States, Napa Valley
Color: Red
Grape/Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon
Importer/Producer: notrevinwines.com
Rating: 91+
From: California's North Coast (May 2014)
Reviewed By: Stephen Tanzer on May 2014
Good deep ruby-red. Very subdued nose hints at blackberry and cassis. Thicker and more densely packed than the 2011; in a distinctly rounder style but showing less energy today. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and a peppery edge. Strong potential here but in an awkward phase.