2003 Cabernet Sauvignon - White Cottage Vineyard Napa Valley

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Overview
Our connection to Napa Valley's premier varietal dates back to Chuck Ortman's earliest winemaking days in the late 1960s and 1970s, when he worked and consulted for some of the region's finest Cabernet Sauvignon producers, including Heitz, Spring Mountain, Far Niente and Shafer. When we established Ortman Family Vineyards, we were inspired to incorporate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon into our small family of wines.

Vineyard
Napa Valley natives Dennis and Adele Johns planted their 28-acre White Cottage Ranch Vineyard on Howell Mountain in 1989. Dennis, a former winemaker at St. Clement and now the proprietor of his own White Cottage Ranch Winery, acquired the site for its confluence of volcanic hillside soils and high-elevation microclimate. These conditions yield Cabernet Sauvignon of superior quality, with deep complex flavors and smooth tannins, as well as signature hints of blackberry and mocha. After sourcing fruit from this vineyard for several vintages, we were inspired to make it the focal point of our Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2003 vintage.

Winemaking
The grapes were harvested on October 21 in the wake of considerable hang time that yielded fully mature flavors. The must was cold soaked for two days prior to yeast introduction for added fruit and tannin extraction, followed by pressing at 4 degrees Brix to avoid harsh tannin exposure. The aging regimen spanned 21 months in French oak barrels coopered by Nadalie, inclusive of 50 percent new oak. The use of Nadalie's Nevers oak barrels for Cabernet Sauvignon is a longtime Ortman tradition -- their influence is subtle yet distinctive, enhancing the overall dimension of the wine.

Tasting Notes
The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon begins with exotic aromas of cassis, cedar, truffles and violets. The cedar impression continues on the palate, along with juicy layered flavors of black cherry, plum and vanilla. The texture is rich and supple, with soft tannins unfolding into a long finish. Recommended pairings include grilled steaks, hearty roasts, grilled pork chops with rosemary and dark chocolate desserts.

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