Wine & Spirits

Item Description

Ladera Vineyards- Cabernet Sauvignon 2003- 3L

2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Napa Valley

Wine 100% Napa Valley; 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 6% Petite Verdot.

Vineyards  The Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of the two excellent estate vineyards of Ladera. Lone Canyon Vineyard is southwest from the winery and is located in the western hills of the Napa Valley looking west at Mt Veeder. It totals 480 acres with only 75 acres planted to vineyard. The site is mostly steep to very steep with elevations up to 1,100 feet above sea level. This vineyard is relatively cool, primarily because of its elevation, but also due to its southerly location in Napa Valley. The soils are very well drained, moderately deep, clay loam.

Ladera Howell Mountain vineyard is a perfect compliment to Ladera Lone Canyon Vineyard. The Howell Mountain vineyard, adjacent to the winery, is located at an elevation of 1600 to 1800 feet, with gently rolling terrain. The soils are iron-rich, red, clay loam soils with an abundance of gravel for excellent drainage. Because of the elevation, the climate is very different from the valley floor of Napa. It tends to be above the fog line in the summer and so receives sun for a longer duration during the day. Also because of the higher elevation, the temperatures are cooler in the day and warmer at night than the valley floor.

Winemaking and Tasting Notes

The 2003 Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented with primarily native but some commercial wine yeasts, finishing in 10-12 days. The wine received 0 to 7 days of skin contact after fermentation depending on the wine. The wine was barrel aged for 19 months in new (49%) and used barrels all of French oak, and was bottled April and May, 2005.

This wine is distinct from the Ladera designated Cabernets in that it is a blend of specific blocks from both estate vineyards, and is a blend of Bordeaux varietals. Both of these winemaking techniques are used in a complimentary way meant to bring out the best of both the vineyards and the varietals. Each of the Bordeaux varieties adds something different to the wine's complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the varietal character, depth and structure of the wine. Merlot contributes the fruit flavors of raspberry and strawberry as well as freshness to the aromas. Malbec adds both the aromatics of bright Bing cherries and a juicy mid palette. Petite Verdot provides rich tannins to round out the bold finish of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are blended in a synergistic way to produce a premium Cabernet that does not dominate in any one character but is very well balanced.

The 2003 vintage was a cool year with a later harvest, from mid September to late October. Because of the mild year, the wine is characterized by the fruit forward aromas of bright cherry, raspberry and black fruits. The palate is soft and approachable, with elegant, velvety tannins. The high percentage of Cabernet from Howell Mountain also adds to the approachability of this wine because of the characteristic smooth tannins. The 2003 Ladera Napa Valley should be ready to drink earlier than past vintages but also has the depth and structure to age well for the next 10 years

Name of Winery: Ladera Vineyards

Bottle Size: 3L

Number of Bottles: 1

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage: 2003

Appellation: Napa Valley 

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