Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford

Taub Family Vineyards traces its roots back four generations–mere days after the repeal of Prohibition. Wine has always been at the heart of the family's story. Marc D. Taub, raised with a profound reverence for winemaking, inherited this passion from his grandfather Marty, a pivotal figure in the wine industry since the early 1930s and later, his father David. In 2013, Marc acquired Heritance Vintners in Napa Valley, now transformed as Taub Family Vineyards. With their namesake, Marc and his son Jake look to explore Napa's most dynamic sub-appellations and single vineyards to build their own storied cabernet house, curating wines from some of the Valley's most esteemed sites.

The 2018 growing season in Napa Valley was nearly flawless with no major heat spikes or significant rainfall. The temperature was cooler than usual leading to a bountiful crop with grapes reaching opitmal maturity and balance. Clone 7 and rootstock 5C and O39-16 were used for this cabernet sauvignon. Located on the west side of Hwy 29, south of Niebaum lane. Gravel-rich, volcanogenic alluvial soils of the Rutherford Bench.

Grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and hand-sorted. Cold soak lasts for 3-5 days, followed by approximately 14 days of fermentation with three daily pump-overs. Fermented to dry on skins with an additional 7 to 14 days extended maceration to optimize the flavor, mouthfeel and tannin structure of the wine. Drained, pressed, and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and ageing. Aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak.

Deep garnet-purple colored with a beguiling bouquet of dark plum and blackberries combined with savory hints of tobacco, anise, and herbs de Provence. Full-bodied, broad, and plush with tremendous structure and intensity, displaying a palate full of blueberries, black and red currants, licorice, baker’s chocolate, coffee beans and quintessential “Rutherford dust.” Generous and tense, the bright lingering finish is lifted by nervy energy and vibrant acidity.