ONE 2011 Yountville Cabernet

Tantalizing aromas of Bing cherry and tobacco leaf, hints of vanilla, spice and herbs. Firm, yet not overly aggressive tannins. A silky texture and structured mouth feel.

Until three decades ago, Yountvillle was a rather sleepy town in Napa Valley. But that started to change when more emphasis was put on developing a food culture and the eventual establishment of an impressive line-up of stellar restaurants, including The French Laundry, Mustard’s, Bistro Jeanty, Bouchon and Bottega. Around the same time, an exciting shift was also happening in the quiet vineyards and agriculture land around the outskirts of town, which eventually led to Yountville becoming an official American Viticultural Area in 1999.

Located on the western side of the town of Yountville, this 22 acre vineyard sits in gravelly silt loams, sedimentary in origin, and gravelly alluvial soils with rock. Moderately warm days and cool evenings allow slow and even ripening, giving great balance between sugar and acid. Ideal for producing Cabernet that is more subtle, gentle and reserved than those from warmer AVA's up valley; however, a more polished wine than the harder, earthier versions from the cooler AVA's down valley.

91 POINTS - "With fragrant aromas of ripe red fruits, pie crust, roasted nuts, tobacco and fine French oak, this rich and complex wine is engaging from the moment the cork is popped. In the glass, the palate is caressed with lively flavors of ripe plum, red cherry, chocolate, mint, clove and cardamom. Intertwined with silky texture, balanced tannins, vibrant acidity and firm structure, these persistent flavors lead to a long, rich and spicy finish. Dazzling, delightful and rewarding" Chris Sawyer

Enjoy this stately wine with barbequed salmon, fresh pasta with hearty red sauce, gourmet burgers with blue cheese and caramelized onions, grilled steaks, rack of lamb, or bittersweet chocolate with dessert.