VHR Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Vintage
VHR 2011 The 2011 vintage saw its share of challenges in the Napa Valley—an unseasonably cool growing season punctuated by rainfall and humidity at harvest. The singular attributes of our family vineyard brought forth fruit of exceptional quality. Fruit harvested from blocks 3, 4, 6, and 7 produce a revelatory expression of Vine Hill Ranch.
Block 7 highlights the cobbly stone and graphite qualities of its creekside setting. Our hillside Block 6 carries the flavors of its forest perimeter—dark fruit, bay laurel, and chaparral—with highly structured brooding tannins. Block 3, planted on our deep gravelly loam benchland soils, introduces the complementary character, color and unique qualities of Petit Verdot. Also situated on these loamy soils, Block 4 brings forth a vibrant red cherry fruit, spirited mouth feel, and fine silky tannins.
The 2011 VHR, Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon reveals itself immediately with aromas of black cherry, dark plum, and black cassis. In the glass, one experiences spicy nuances of wild fennel, black peat, frankincense, and dark cocoa along with earthy undertones of clay loam, forest floor, and wet slate. A lively acidity entices and elevates the palate, giving way to a powerful yet generous and balanced wine. Well-tempered, with seamless and persistent tannins, the 2011 VHR Cabernet Sauvignon will give immediate pleasure that will only increase in the years to come.
2011 harvest began in the early morning of October 15th, ending October 20th. Grapes were scrupulously hand sorted and aged in French Oak for fifteen months, then blended and returned to barrel for an additional six months. 503 cases were bottled in May 2013.
