BV NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Beaulieu Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Our 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon shows aromas of lovely red berry fruits on the nose, supported by notes of wild blackberry, black cherry, red currant and ripe plum, backed up by delicate oak notes of warm holiday spices, including; cinnamon and star anise spice with vanilla bean. On the palate, the wine is fruit-forward and ripe with hints of lavender and violet leading to fresh strawberry, black raspberry, red cherry and cola nut, supported by delicate fresh herbs – hints of mint, mocha and milk chocolate. The tannins are focused and long providing a rich texture and mouthfeel, with an elegant balance and structure that complements the mouth filling flavors. Well integrated baking spice notes of cinnamon and nutmeg from the toasted oak barrels are seamlessly woven throughout the wine, complementing the berry fruit aromas and flavors which leads to a long mouthwatering finish. This rich, pleasing Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is approachable and delicious now, yet promises cellar worthiness when stored properly.

VARIETIES: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petite Sirah, 2% Charbono and 2% Malbec
REGION: United States / California / North Coast / Napa County / Napa Valley
AGEING: Freshly fermented wine to 60-gallon oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 18 months of aging
GUARDING POTENTIAL: Enjoy now or will cellar well up to 8 years
SERVE: Serve at 16ºC – 18ºC
FITS TO: Perfectly pair with Prime Ribs, Beef Brisket, Bison Burgers, Lentil Stew, Grilled Steak and Venison Stew
CRITICS SCORES: 94/JS, 92/V, 92/WS
VIVINO: Average 3.9 ★★★★✰

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2018 Cabernet Sauvignon | Vintage | Beaulieu Vineyard

Vintage
The Napa Valley region enjoyed a stunning, near picture-perfect 2018 growing season including good winter rains, mild spring weather and steady temperatures throughout that allowed for even flowering and bud break. These ideal growing conditions were followed by a cool, even and slow-paced harvest which allowed the winery to vinify wines at a gentle pace. The resulting 2018 Cabernets are of very high quality with plenty of concentrated flavors, color and excellent acidity.

Winemaking
After the grapes were destemmed and crushed, we fermented the must in stainless steel tanks until dry. We then pressed the skins and gently transferred the freshly fermented wine to 60-gallon oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and 18 months of aging. Prior to bottling, we blended several varieties with the Cabernet Sauvignon to add complexity and plushness to the wine’s mid-palate. This also added plenty of finesse to the lingering finish and enhanced the flavor and aroma profile of this beautiful wine.

Beaulieu Vineyard Winemaker Trevor Durling, presides as only the fifth winemaker in the winery’s 119-year history. A native Californian, Trevor was raised in Sonoma County, the heart of Northern California’s wine country. With a love of agriculture, science and cuisine, Trevor pursued his studies at the University of California Davis in the Viticulture and Enology program. As winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyard, Trevor incorporates his passion for creating fine wines, while preserving the heritage and legacy of Beaulieu Vineyard.

Vineyard
We sourced the majority of the Cabernet from Napa Valley’s Rutherford, Calistoga and St. Helena appellations. The diverse soils and microclimates, as well as the various clones of Cabernet Sauvignon and cultivation techniques, contributed to this wine’s complex flavor profile. The balance of the blend was grown both in our estate vineyards and other quality vineyards of Napa Valley.