2002 Lewelling Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The 22-acre Lewelling Vineyard is located west of Highway 29 at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains in St. Helena. It is a gently sloping, benchland site that over the years has earned a reputation as one of the top vineyards in Napa Valley. Thanks to a long mild summer, the fruit went through verasion at a slower pace than usual. This allowed the grapes to develop more color, greater complexity and tannins of greater maturity/higher resolution. The relatively warm weather at the end of the growing season helped produce physiologically ripe fruit.

After a cold pre-soak, the grapes were fermented using the rack-and-return method (delestage) favored by leading Bordeaux chateaux. In addition to increasing color and flavor, this process allows for the removalof seeds, which reduces astringency and produces more supple tannins. To further soften tannins and create a more generous texture, the wine was exposed to air during fermentation and barrel aging. To preserve the texture and character of the fruit, this Cabernet received only a light filtration.

Not all vineyards deserve their own bottling. To be worthy of single-vineyard status, a site must produce wines that are complete, complex and distinct. More then just delivering varietal character, each single-vineyard bottling must convey the unique terroir of the individual site. Year after year, Lewelling Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most complete, complex and distinct wines we produce. This 2002 is deep, dense, lush and compelling with the signature dried herb and cassis flavor that characterizes all Lewelling Cabs.

Appellation: Lewelling Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley

WINE INFORMATION

Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Barrel Aging: 100% French Oak
Alcohol: 14.2%
Total Acidity: 0.56g/100ml Residual Sugar
Dry Cases: 1344 6pk cases
Release Date: December 2005