2006 Volker Eisle Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

Composition: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc

Harvest: The grapes were harvested in mid October with 24.5 degrees average brix, 0.69 total acidity, and 3.69pH

Oak Aging: 22 months in 50% new French oak barrels from Treuil cooperage (i.e. Aillier and Troncais). The wine is unfined and lightly filtered.

Organic: All fruit is organically grown in our estate vineyard.

The 2006 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon has 10% Merlot blended in to soften the tannins for palate feel and to add complexity. All grapes were harvested at their peak maturity. The wine was barrel aged in 50% new French oak from Treuil cooperage. The wine is deep garnet in color, varietally true to type in aroma, and well balanced on the palate. The result is an elegant wine of a pedigree that will please for years to come.

92 points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine While this isn’t in the same league as the winery’s stunning Alexander reserve-style bottling of Cabernet, it’s an approximation of it and, at about one-third the price, a pretty good value. The wine is rich in blackberry, currant and cedar flavors, and balanced with gorgeous tannins, showing true Napa elegance. Drink now–2012. Editors’ Choice. —S.H.