2015 Chase Creek Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT CHASE CREEK

This limited-production wine pays tribute to our ongoing efforts to protect and preserve our land and community. Chase Creek runs through our property and is part of a watershed that is crucial to the health of Napa Valley’s ecosystem. Our creek restoration work in our estate vineyards has helped to not only create a healthier watershed, but also to help us produce more vibrant, energetic wines.   

 VINEYARDS AND WINEMAKING 

Chase Creek, an offshoot of the Napa River, courses along the western edge of our S.L.V. and FAY vineyards in the Stags Leap District. Over time, erosion diverted the creek from its natural course, and non-native plants took over the creek banks. We replaced these invasive growths with native plants, which attract beneficial insects and pest-fighting raptors, hawks and owls. Bobcats and coyotes roam the riparian corridor adjacent to our vineyards, and we’ve seen less soil erosion since the restoration—even after flooding in 2006. The wine is primarily from FAY Block 1, which is located right between the FAY Outlook & Visitor Center and Chase Creek. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new oak barrels (two-thirds French and one-third American). 

VINTAGE 

Overall, 2015 was a year with lower than usual crop size but with high quality fruit.  The growing season was hot and dry, and harvest started and ended early. A very warm and relatively dry winter led to early bud break but, conversely, temperatures were abnormally low during the bloom period in May. During this extended bloom, there were two small rain events that resulted in a high incidence of ‘shatter,’ reducing tonnage.  While it was a challenging vintage, by continually adjusting to the challenges and employing best practices, the grapes brought into the winery were of high quality.  

TASTING NOTES

The 2015 Chase Creek Cabernet Sauvignon has inviting aromas of mint, gardenia, jasmine tea and dried herbs.  On the palate, the wine has soft, spicy fruit flavors with a touch of dried berries and cassis along with the signature floral note of FAY vineyard. The finish is silky and lingering. 

FOOD PAIRINGS

Try serving this wine with prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin or grilled bone-in pork chops with sautéed wild mushrooms.