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INNOVATUS Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

$195.00

“Intense heat around Labor Day shut down fruit development, in many ways "freezing" the fruit in its current state at the time, which was largely premature. Furthermore, the infamous 2017 Napa fire rushed the harvest, and left the winemaker an unexpected question mark to the final equation.”

Origin: Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Harvest Dates: October 17, 2017
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 28 months in French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%

Vintage 2017

The 2017's INNOVATUS Cabernet Sauvignon shows many of the characteristics typical of the vintage, in terms of wine style and chemical composition. Ample, and occasionally granular tannins, intense color and high acids are evident, with a generally dark yet red-fruit profile.

The high acidity is consistent with the vintage conditions; particularly the intense heat around Labor Day that shut down fruit development, in many ways "freezing" the fruit in its current state at the time, which was largely premature. The “2017 Napa fire” even further rushed the harvest, and left the winemaker an unexpected question mark to the final equation.

Vineyard Notes

Crafted from the heart of Napa Valley, Preston Vineyard in Rutherford, it offers an exceptional portfolio of wines, each highly limited and bearing the distinct signature of its origin. Given the small berry size and well-known abundance of color tannin for clone 337, the fruits are normally picked at 26.5 with brown and crisp seeds at 98% ripeness. Irrigation is needed in growing season but dry-farm after veraison (onset of ripening).

Winemaking

Total 5.9 tons of fruits yielded 750 gallons of juice and must after saignee. 2-3 days cold soak. Inoculated with Xpure yeast. Open-top fermentation enhanced color and structure with gentle over-all maceration. Aged in100% French oak barrels with 70% new oak. Bottled on June 2, 2020.

Tasting Notes

Infamously challenging vintage with 2017 Napa fire. Picked early, bright red fruit shows the vintage character. Yet, the black-red reminiscent its real full body, full of cherry, plum and white spice. Layers of structure with smooth and silky tannin gives long lingering finish.

INNOVATUS Cabernet Sauvignon is good to drink young with decanting or cellar through 2028.