2006 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

BLEND
77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16 % Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot

VINEYARDS
Merryvale Estate Vineyard (St. Helena Appellation), Bayview- Oakville & Oak Knoll Vineyards

APPELLATION
Napa Valley

WINEMAKING

• Extended maceration on the skins
• Bottled unfiltered

BARREL AGING
Aged 15 months in French oak (20% new)

ALCOHOL
14.8% by volume

RELEASE DATE
March, 2009

CELLARING
The wine will improve with short term cellaring.

WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Our Starmont Cabernet is grown in top vineyards in the Napa Valley, with lots chosen for their rich flavors and supple tannins. Harvest took place in the early morning to keep the fruit as cool as possible. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes for this wine were carefully sorted and de-stemmed, but not crushed, leaving over 90% whole berries. The berries and juice were cold soaked and fermented, and then aged for 15 months in French Oak.

The 2006 vintage has been described as a “growers” year by some vintners. After a late bud break due to an unseasonably cool spring, the Napa Valley experienced a record setting heat wave in July which allowed the grapes to catch up in ripening. An ideal mild weather pattern came in August and an “Indian Summer” followed into October allowing for slow and even ripening resulting in acids and sugars in perfect harmony.

Our 2006 Starmont Cabernet Sauvignon shows enticing aromas of black cherry, cassis, raspberry, vanilla and cedar. The mouthfeel is dense and focused with a long finish.