Vitesse Vineyards 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon BE
SPECIFICATIONS
85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec (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
Alcohol: 14.5%
Residual Sugar: 0.30%
Volatile Acidity: .61 g/L
Titratable Acidity: 6.8g/L
pH: 3.78
Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 15% new.
Winemaker: Miguel Caratachea
Fewer than 200 cases made
WINE PROFILE
Vitesse's Napa Valley heritage shines through in this exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. Drawing from the rich terroir of the hillside vineyards above Napa Valley, this vintage of Vitesse radiates with pure varietal aromas and flavors such as black cherry, sour cherry, and pomegranate, complemented by hints of rose petal and walnut.
Each sip offers a silky-smooth palate, a testament to our fine skin tannins, culminating in a lingering, mouthwatering finish.
VINTAGE 2020
The outstanding 2020 growing season culminated in a dramatic finale when the "Glass Fire" traversed the valley shortly before midnight on September 21. Our winemaker Miguel swiftly rallied his vineyard crew to salvage the harvest, illuminated by the eerie glow of the encroaching flames. By dawn, they had to make a hasty retreat from the blazing mountain.
We dedicate the 2020 vintage to Miguel, his dedicated team, and the brave firefighters who protected the valley. Remarkably, this marked the second instance when Miguel had the foresight to harvest the last grapes in Napa Valley just before fires ravaged the remaining yield. A number of wineries faced grape shortages due to smoke taint, so some of the grapes harvested were reallocated to several other wineries, allowing them to produce a vintage. Consequently, the 2020 vintage of Vitesse is exceedingly rare.
Despite the challenges, the wines produced from grapes harvested before the fires show the resilience and quality of Napa Valley's terroir and winemaking community.
For Vitesse Vineyards' distinct flair, our winemaker Miguel Caratachea skillfully melds age-old wisdom with innovative techniques honed over decades. The grapes were meticulously selected and under the winemaker's vigilant supervision, pressed delicately to preserve the intrinsic qualities of the grape.
The fermentation took place at cooler temperatures using specially chosen yeasts tailored for each batch. Through diligent rounds of "délestage" (rack-and-return), the wine was endowed with more intense, pristine varietal notes and a lush, velvety texture.
Maturing in French oak barrels for twenty months, Miguel ensured it was replenished frequently to retain its vibrant and opulent flavors until it was bottled. This wine promises to evolve, becoming more refined, intricate, and sophisticated over the next decade.
The wine is exceptional to drink now, and will become increasingly smooth, complex, and elegant for 10 years.
Price: $75. per bottle
