2005 Cabernet Sauvignon - Beckstoffer Clone Six
BLEND
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS
Beckstoffer-Vineyard Georges III, Block B2b
APPELLATION
Rutherford, Napa Valley
WINEMAKING
- Extended maceration on the skins
- Native yeast fermentation with gentle pump-overs
- Bottled unfiltered
BARREL AGING
24 months in 75% new French oak barrels
ALCOHOL
14.5% by volume
CELLARING
This wine should develop complexity with up to ten years in the bottle and hold for many years after that.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
The 2005 harvest was one of great extremes. A very wet spring provided the potential for a big harvest of very juicy fruit. A fantastic Indian summer resulted in long hang times allowing the grapes to mature at a leisurely pace giving us outstanding character and added complexity. The result at harvest was thick skins and great flavors at moderate alcohol levels.
This is the seventh Merryvale vineyard-designated bottling from low-yielding Clone Six vines in the Beckstoffer Family’s Vineyard Georges III in Rutherford. The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine is very dark purple with rustic aromas of black berry, perfume, mineral and roasted herbs. The palate is focused, balanced and almost Bordeaux like in form with the structure to age ten years and beyond. Those with the patience to cellar this wine for a few years will be rewarded. We recommend decanting in its youth.
