Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011 is made from 85 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot.

Vintage: The 2011 growing season proved to be a challenge in Napa Valley. A wet winter and spring extended with rainfall into mid-June, delaying bloom and set. A long, cool growing season followed, which forced growers to open canopies to ensure sunlight and warmth. Harvest was further hampered by autumn rain storms, which encouraged an earlier-than-normal harvest. Overall, quality of fruit is high, and lower alcohols are expected for the vintage.

Vineyards: Well-established hillside vineyards are the foundation of this wine, giving the finished blend its intense inner core of fruit. The complexity and balance of this vintage was achieved through diverse sourcing.

Vinification: The grapes were hand picked at optimum ripeness. Following destemming, the grapes were stainless steel-fermented and received extended skin contact before being transferred to barrels. The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 24 months (80% new barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of cedary oak, currants, black cherries and ripe plums are rich and concentrated on the palate. The firm tannins underlying the wine’s core provide balance, leading to a long, lingering finish. The 2011 vintage is reflected in this wine, favoring balance to overt ripeness.