VITESSE VINEYARDS 2017 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - SOLD OUT

Photo: David Fischer

SPECIFICATIONS
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot (all five of the traditional red Bordeaux varieties)
Grown predominantly on the hillside part of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, with lots from other Napa and Sonoma vineyards
Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 0.23%
Volatile Acidity: .54 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 6.8g/L
pH: 3.79 
Winemaker: Miguel Caratachea
Fewer than 200 cases made

ATTRIBUTES
Color: Vibrant garnet hue with a deep purple core.
Aromatics: an abundance of currant and floral notes on the nose, as well as a bit of tobacco, tar and candied orange peel
Palate: Complex layering of dark cherry and flint as the wine enters the palate. Flavors of black cassis, dried cherry and a hint of spice.
Structure: A refined mouthfeel is revealed with just enough acidity to complement the wine's satiny texture. Fine-grained tannins evolve into a long, supple finish.

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VINTAGE 2017
The 2017 growing season in Napa Valley started with an abundance of rain, leading into a mild Spring that stretched out the initial flowering period of the vines. The Summer was consistent and, despite a Labor Day heatwave, continued into October which made for reliable sugar levels in the fruit. However, on October 8th the warm, strong winds resulted in one of the most destructive series of fires in California history.  

We feel blessed by the intuition that our Winemaker Miquel Caratachea had in harvesting the fruit before the fires could affect the grapes. He and his vineyard crew picked and pressed the fruit before the grapes would be affected by the fires. This has resulted in a "luck seventh" vintage of Vitesse that will delight with its exception quality, sophistication and flavors.

This Vitesse is our most elegant yet, capturing the sophisticated singularity that Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon can become even in adversity. As in previous vintages, the wines received exceptional care, with frequent barrel topping and "délestage," which gently extracts the phenolic compounds by oxygenating the juice to produce a softer, less astringent wine exhibiting more fruit character. 

There is an abundance of currant and floral notes on the nose, and the deep garnet color of the wine dresses complex layers of dark cherry and flint as it enters the palette. A refined, round mouthfeel is revealed with just enough acidity to complement the wine's satiny texture.

Flavors of black cassis, dried cherry and a hint of spice complement the fine-grained tannins and evolve into a long, supple finish to complement your special moments.  

In the tradition of all Vitesse vintages, it is crafted in a Bordeaux style versus the heavier style indicative of many Napa Valley Cabernets. We feel this is a more subtle expression of Cabernet that allows the wine to continue to evolve into even greater elegance in years to come. 

Drink now or cellar for 8 years or longer. 

Price: $65. per bottle

Please note: The 2017 Vintage is sold out.