Proprietary Reds in Napa Valley arrive in varying grape combinations and consistencies.   Their tannins can be refined or firm and they can easily be overly influenced by the climate of each growing season.   As discussed earlier this year, some proprietary reds will actually meet the rigorous standards of Meritage, others will be called Claret and [...]

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Summer months generally are not my ideal time to be cracking into Cabernet Sauvignons.   As most know, Cabernet Sauvignons can be big, bold and ever-tannic red wines.   The tannins typically dehydrate me which is the last thing that I seek during hot sultry summer evenings.    Depending on the American Viticultural Area (“AVA”), Cabernet Sauvignon grapes [...]

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Having now focused on the western side of Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon wines, how does the eastern side of the valley compare?
Again, the answer is based on the specific geographical vineyard location.   It is not enough to merely be located on the eastern side of the valley.    Is the vineyard on a foothill, edge [...]

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Autumn continues to settle into Napa Valley, bringing brisk northern winds, cooler temperatures and a continued yearning to explore warming hearty red wines.    To continue the Location Series with Cabernet Sauvignon, this week there is no area better to feature than Rutherford Bench.  
Rutherford Bench, which sits on the western central floor of Napa Valley, [...]

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Diamond Mountain, located on the western northern end of Napa Valley on the Mayacamas Range, is one of the taller peaks bordering Napa Valley and is home to famed Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.   Diamond Mountain is a highly regarded American Viticultural Area (“AVA”) and is recognized for producing deep, expressive fruit that can hypnotize your palate [...]

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Cabernet Sauvignon, a small and thick-skinned grape, packs quite a punch in Napa Valley wines.   As discussed earlier this week, depending on the fruit’s origin, the components found in the wine can vary greatly allowing Napa Valley to produce a collection of Cabernet Sauvignon wines boasting unique characteristics.   Some areas produce grapes with cherry flavors, [...]

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Why is it that Cabernet Sauvignon wine in Napa Valley can taste so different?    Where the grapes are planted influences wine greatly.   It is often said that “location” is everything and that is particularly true with wine.   In Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is king due to its ease of growth and adaptability to the region’s [...]

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