2008 Monticello Vineyards Jefferson Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: Our Vintage 2005 MONTICELLO VINEYARDS Jefferson Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon displays aromatics of red berries, slightly spicy notes, hints of nutmeg and vanilla. The flavors follow with dark berries, herbs and spice, and hints of vanilla carry through to the palate. This wine is full-bodied, very nicely balanced and rich, yet has a nice thread of acidity to maintain balance and tension.

Vineyards: Cabernet Sauvignon State Lane Vineyard – Yountville, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Tietjen Vineyard on Niebaum Lane – Rutherford, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Yewell Vineyard on Elhers Lane – St Helena, Napa Valley Cabernet Franc Home Ranch Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley Merlot Knollwood Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley Syrah Knollwood Vineyard – Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley Cuvee 75% Cabernet Sauvignon / 10% Merlot / 8% Syrah / 7% Cabernet Franc

Vintage 2005 was a long, cool growing season. We were very pleased to achieve nice levels of ripeness and flavor development without the accompanying rise in brix. This allowed us to make wines which are rich in flavor, aroma and texture without too high a level of alcohol. The grapes retained a little more of their natural acidity than they would in a shorter, hotter growing season. As a result, the wines are a little brighter and express a fruit profile that is a little more vibrant than jammy. These differences in personalities across vintages is what makes winegrowing such an exciting lifelong endeavor.

Alcohol: 14.2%

Awards WINE ENTHUSIAST – 91 POINTS – JUNE 2008 “The Jefferson Cuvιe has been a good bet in Napa Cab over the years, showing elegance and power, but also balance. The ’05, which contains a splash of Syrah, is rich in blackberry and dark chocolate flavors, and is made more interesting by the texture, which includes fine acidity and perfectly ripened tannins. — S.H.”