VITESSE VINEYARDS 2018 NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON - SOLD OUT

Photo: David Fischer

SPECIFICATIONS
87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot (all five of the traditional red Bordeaux varieties). Grown primarily with lots from Napa Valley vineyards.  

Grown predominantly on the hillside part of Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, with lots from other Napa and Sonoma vineyards
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Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 0.29%
Volatile Acidity: .68 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 6.8g/L
pH: 3.80
Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 15% new.
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: concentrated flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, lavender, dried bay leaf, and hints of graphite
Structure: A refined mouthfeel is revealed with just enough acidity to complement the wine's satiny texture. Fine-supporting tannins carry through into a long, mouth-watering finish.

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VINTAGE 2018
The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was thankfully uneventful, starting 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.

The 2018 Vitesse displays its Napa Valley pedigree with generous aromas and flavors of black cherries and boysenberries interlaced with accents of lavender, dried bay leaf, and graphite. The texture is round and easy, with fine tannins lending “grip” near the finish. Long and mouthwatering, keeping the palate intrigued and anxious for the next sip. Once again, our winemaker Miguel Caratachea’s deep kinship with his grapes is on display.

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. 

This is a classic hillside Napa Valley Cabernet, with concentrated flavors of black cherry, boysenberry, lavender, dried bay leaf, and hints of graphite. Fine, supporting tannins from grape skins, with subtle vanilla notes from oak barrel aging and velvety texture that carries through to a long, mouth-watering finish.

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: $69. per bottle

Please note: The 2018 Vintage is sold out.