Rich aromatics, vibrant acidity, and powerful tannins—what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so lovable is also what makes it ageable. Concentrated fruit and structure make it possible for Cabernet wines to evolve over years, even decades in the bottle. But Cabernet grapes won’t necessarily develop these important elements on their own. They need the right growing conditions—sunny days, cool nights, well-draining, infertile soils, and a winemaker who understands how to care for the land. That’s where Napa Valley comes in.
Our 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon allows us to catch a glimpse of how an iconic grape and a unique place can collaborate to make a great wine that can stand the test of time. Let’s dive into what makes a wine ageable and what happens as the story unfolds.
What makes Cabernet age-worthy?
Every grape is different, and this is what makes Cabernet Sauvignon so special. With the right conditions, Cabernet grapes can have all of the elements necessary for aging:
- Tannins
- Acidity
- Concentrated fruit
- Body/alcohol
Many of these structural elements, like acidity and body, act as a preservative for the wine, protecting it from spoiling as it slowly comes into contact with oxygen through the cork in the bottle. High levels of acidity and sufficient alcohol levels are also necessary for maintaining freshness over time.
Tannins are found in the stems, seeds, and on the skins of grapes. They offer flavor and aroma, as well as an astringent mouthfeel that, over time, becomes silky smooth.
But none of these elements would be present without the right soils, elevation, sun exposure, and climate. The Napa Valley enjoys warm, sunny days all summer long, and this allows the grapes to develop powerful fruit aromas that will change over time. Throughout the Napa Valley, varying levels of elevation bring cool temperatures at night, enhanced by the breezes and morning fog from San Pablo Bay. This balancing effect slows ripening, allowing Cabernet to maintain high levels of acidity as sugars and signature flavors develop.
Harvesting the grapes is a balancing act, and when to do it is a choice each winemaker makes with a deep knowledge of the subtle relationship between acidity levels, sugar levels, and weather conditions.
The Aging Process of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley Cabernet can be aged at two different stages in the winemaking process: first, in an aging vessel like oak, cement, or clay. Second, in the bottle. A winemaker may choose to age their wine in the bottle for a year or more before releasing it. Then, it’s up to you to decide when to open it.
Many complex things are at play as a wine ages at both stages of this process.
- Tannins that were bitter become astringent, and then soft
- Acidity softens
- Fruit aromas become more subdued
- Earthy aromas like forest floor, mushroom, game, and hazelnut develop
- Red wines lose color, becoming rusty or brown
- White wines deepen in color, becoming golden or brownish
The 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage
It’s a privilege to witness a single bottle change over the years. Across Napa Valley, 2019 was a divine growing season that lent itself to a classic Cabernet. Throughout the growing season, grapes ripened steadily, uninterrupted by weather.
We’re excited to return to ours over the coming years to discover what the gift of time has in store. From Lokoya to Tor to Harlan Estate, our neighbors are joining us in celebrating their own bottles from this memorable vintage.
The wines of 2019 are powerful in aroma and structure. Some are showing black fruit with mountain herbs, graphite, and cedar. Others are expressing crushed rose petals, coffee beans, and bakers’ chocolate. What aromas are in their future? The fun is waiting and finding out.