2017 Soda Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT DISTINGUISED 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 2017, we chose Soda Canyon Ranch Vineyards on Atlas Peak as one of those vineyards.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
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 on October 23. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 20 months in 100% new French oak.
VINTAGE
The 2017 vintage was a memorable one with more than its fair share of historic challenges – but it resulted in very high-quality fruit at lower yields. We started with a wet winter that brought much-needed water after several years of drought. Spring and summer temperatures alternated between unusually cool and unusually hot with a record-breaking heat wave over Labor Day weekend. Just as harvest was reaching its final crescendo, on October 8th tragic wildfires broke out that burned throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. At Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, the Atlas Peak fire burned right down to the edge of the estate vineyards. Thankfully the vineyard served as a giant fire break and the winery was undamaged and our employees were safe. We give a special thank you to the cellar and maintenance teams who demonstrated incredible dedication to wine quality in restoring power to the winery and caring for the fermenting wines under extreme conditions.
TASTING NOTES
This Cabernet Sauvignon offers distinct huckleberry and wild sage notes that are key characteristics of the vineyard. The nose is filled with these aromas along with hints of cedar and clove. The wine is full-bodied with a rich texture and a lingering finish that coats your mouth with lively berry and spice flavors.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Enjoy with grilled flank steak, prosciutto and sage-wrapped pork tenderloin, or creamy risotto.