TASTING NOTES
V Madrone 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon
2005 marks the second vintage of V Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon from the single site vineyard located at the V Madrone winery. The 2005 vintage was picked in two lots on October 1, 2005 (3.5 tons) and October 13, 2005 (5.3 tons) and was blessed by the year's extended summer/early fall conditions of dry and warm days and cool nights.| Varietal Composition: | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon | |
| Appellation: | St. Helena, Napa Valley | |
| Harvest Date: | October 1st and 13th, 2005 | |
| Estate Acreage: | 3.24 | |
| Brix at Harvest: | 26.4 and 26.7 | |
| pH: | 3.72 | |
| TA: | 0.531 g/100 ml | |
| Alcohol: | 14.3% | |
| Aging: | 22 months in 88% French and 12% American oak Barrels (65% new, 35% one year old) | |
| Bottling Date: | August 13, 2007 | |
| Release Date: | March 2008 | |
| Production: | 542 750ml cases; 10 1.5 L cases; 20 375ml cases |
|
| Vineyard Manager: | Sam Turner | |
| Winemaker: | Chris Dearden |
Winemaker Tasting Notes:
After maturing for 22 months in small French oak (88%) and American oak (12%), the 2005 V Madrone achieved a perfect balance and symmetry. 542 cases of 750 ml bottles, 10 cases of 1.5 L magnums and 20 cases of 375 ml bottles were bottled on August 13th, 2007. Our 2005 V Madrone Cabernet shows beautiful expressive notes of blackberry, plum compote, black licorice, wheat toast, graphite and wet earth. The palate is congruent with the nose in the abundance of dark fruit, depth of character and firm, yet supple tannins. This is a powerful wine with a destiny for greatness and will age gracefully for 20 years or longer.
V Madrone 2005 Petite Sirah
2005 marks the first vintage of V Madrone Petite Sirah from select vineyards located in St. Helena and the Napa Valley. The 2005 vintage was picked in two lots on October 5th, 2005 and October 21st, 2005. The Zinfandel was picked on October 17th and all lots had the benefit of extra hang time due to the late arrival of harvest.| Varietal Composition: | 87% Petite Sirah, 13% Zinfandel | |
| Appellation: | St. Helena, Napa Valley | |
| Vine Age: | 40% Old Vines (82-100+ years) | |
| Harvest Date: | October 5th , 17th , and 21st, 2005 | |
| Brix at Harvest: | 26.4 and 26.2 | |
| pH: | 3.65 | |
| TA: | 0.51 g/100 ml | |
| Alcohol: | 14.1% | |
| Aging: | Average 17 months in 64% American and 36% French oak Barrels (35% new, 65% one year old) |
|
| Bottling Date: | November 8, 2007 | |
| Release Date: | February 2008 | |
| Production: | 197 - 750ml cases | |
| Vineyard Manager: | Sam Turner | |
| Winemaker: | Chris Dearden |
Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Petite Sirah is an old varietal in the California wine industry that is enjoying a fine renaissance after a prolonged absence. Many of the vines in Napa Valley were planted pre-prohibition, and have survived the ravages of phylloxera and the changing of Napa tastes from field blends to varietal wines. Wine lovers are now searching for interesting varietals such as Petite Sirah to complement their cellars and dining. Petite Sirah or “Pets” as the pioneering vintners call it, can be an extremely tannic varietal and has been used for many years as a blender for Zinfandel and other lighter bodied red wines to add weight and color. The V Madrone 2005 Petite Sirah combines the best of all components of the varietal: deep color and ripe blueberry fruit as well as a softening effect from the small amount of Zinfandel added to smooth out the edges and mid-palate. A medium-full bodied entrance is balanced by a clean and lingering black-fruit finish. Hints of sage, cedar shavings and gunpowder are only slightly apparent and add to the complexity of this lively wine. The V Madrone 2005 Petite Sirah will pair with classic cuts of prime beef, lamb stew and aged, dry cheeses. The aging potential is 7-10 years after which the fruit will become more subtle and the bottle bouquet will become even more pronounced.