Distinguished Vineyards Horizontal Gift Set
ABOUT DISTINGUISHED VINEYARDS
We are fortunate to source grapes from some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growers in the Napa Valley. To honor the vineyards that stand out, each year we will produce the Distinguished Vineyards wines. In 2016, we chose Battuello Vineyard in St. Helena as one of those vineyards because of their rich history and commitment to quality.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Battuello
The Battuello Vineyard is a fourth-generation, family-run vineyard in St. Helena – with the fifth generation already living on the farm. The current patriarch (Craig) and his sons (Dave and Mark) meticulously farm the vineyard. Craig and Dave jointly-own the vineyard and Dave takes great pride in carrying on the family tradition. Known for an impeccable farming style, each block is farmed individually. The 2016 is primarily from the “Rockpile,” which is an older block grown in gravelly loam that is full of cobblestones. The area is aptly named, and yields complex wine with beautiful dark fruit and berry flavors and lingering, silky tannins. The grapes were harvested on September 26. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak.
Soda Canyon
The Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyards are set high up on Atlas Peak in Napa Valley. The vineyard is on a very steep slope with rocky, red volcanic soil that gets great exposure to sunlight, yielding small berries that lead to an intense wine with a very distinct personality. The vineyard is owned by the Thornberry Family and this is one of the most unique sites from which we source grapes. The grapes were harvested between October 5 and 11. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak.
VINTAGE
Although bud-break in Napa Valley was early in 2016, the season was much cooler than normal. We didn’t get the usual high heat in July and August, which provided for a longer hang time for the grapes. Overall, quality was high and particularly at our FAY and S.L.V. estate vineyards. The grapes in FAY and S.L.V. ripened uniformly and while yields were a bit lower than average, the flavors were great, and the tannins were soft and supple. The harvest was smooth and progressed from varietal to varietal with the Sauvignon Blanc coming in first, then the Chardonnay, and time in between to transition to the reds. In late September, we started bringing in Cabernet Sauvignon from across the valley for our ARTEMIS Cabernet Sauvignon and it was interesting that the grapes – all the way from the cooler Coombsville area up to the warmer parts of St. Helena – ripened at the same time. We completed the Cabernet harvest in October.
TASTING NOTES
2016 Battuello
This elegant Cabernet Sauvignon offers inviting aromas of raspberry, red currant, blackberry and a hint of cocoa. Rich and silky on the palate, the wine has round tannins and a long finish filled with cherry and cassis flavors.
2016 Soda Canyon
This Cabernet Sauvignon offers distinct huckleberry and sage notes that are characteristic of the vineyard. A mix of savory notes meld with wild berry and cranberry flavors. On entry, the wine is flavorful and concentrated. The tannins are well-structured with a hint of gravel/minerality.
FOOD PAIRINGS
2016 Battuello
Enjoy this wine with sausage ravioli in marinara sauce or braised short ribs.
2016 Soda Canyon
Enjoy with grilled flank steak, prosciutto and sage-wrapped pork tenderloin, or risotto with parmesan and herbs.