2013 Cabernet Sauvignon – Oakville Napa - 538 Wine Notes

In 1903 the Pelissa family purchased 35 acres between the Napa River and the Napa Valley Railroad in Calistoga with a single $10 gold coin. Thus began one family's history in the Napa Valley. Today the same family owns approximately 1,000 acres in Napa Valley with over 300 acres designated as a preserve intact with its natural state and 635 acres farmed as certified organic vineyards. 

Throughout the 20th century, the family grew and their experience expanded across the valley. Then in 1993 the heirs of the Pelissa family acquired the Oakville Winery property from Heublein - Inglenook. The winery was originally built in 1877 by two Frenchmen, Jean Adolphe Brun and Jean Chaix and it was the 9th bonded winery in California. The "Brun and Chaix Oakville Winery" passed through various hands in the 20th century and when the Pelissa family acquired it they formed the Napa Wine Company and Bonded Winery #9. The winery and adjacent Pelissa Vineyard, totals 62 acres on the corner of Highway 29 and the Oakville Cross Road. In 2009 the first vintages of Oakville Winery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel were released. After more than a century in the Napa Valley, the family is part of Napa Valley legacy, rooted in the vineyards and harvesting dreams forever grounded in the soil beneath their feet. 

As a family owned company, they own all of our vineyards, care for our vines, harvest our grapes and have our own winemaker - all integral parts of producing a superior wine. There are few true grower and producers and we are delighted to be a part of that small circle. They are very proud of their farmer roots and that has established their reputation for great fruit. 

The Pelissa family is committed to growing grapes without the use of chemicals. Certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers, Oakville Winery uses organic vineyard management techniques. Selective leaf and shoot removal reduces fungus and mildew pressure. Cover crops like oats, peas, mustard and vetch, are planted between rows to naturally inhibit soil erosion, reduce dust, restore nutrients and encourage microbiological activity. Even grape skins and stems are composted after harvest and added back to the soil, replenishing nitrogen and potassium and increasing microbiological activity. They believe that the attention to detail it takes to grow organically replenishes the land and creates better wine. The estate has grown organically since 1991. 

This delicious Cabernet Sauvignon is a style that reflects modern Oakville. Aromas of black fruits, sweet oak of clean cedar. Rich with notes of black cherry and cassis. Beautiful, well-structured wine with a rounded mouth-feel. Medium bodied with inviting, soft tannins and an elegant, long finish; this wine will drink well for the next 10 years.