William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

2002 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Source

Our Cabernet Sauvignon is produced from fruit grown primarily in the mountain and benchland vineyards of the Napa Valley. During the day, these vineyards are above the fog line, ensuring a long, lingering growing season. The grapes were hand harvested from late September to mid-October 2002, at an average 26.0º Brix.

Vintage

    The 2002 harvest was all about patience. The weather in key wine regions was unusually cool early in the growing season, while summer and fall saw  extended heat spells.  “Some people panicked and picked early and ended up with herbaceous flavors,” said executive winemaker Nick Goldschmidt. “By waiting for the flavors to develop we found some very promising fruit.” Parts of the Napa Valley saw some April frost and late rains in May, while summer brought a long, mild growing season with only a few manageable heat spikes in late September and early October – bringing an end to harvest.

Winemaking

This Cabernet was aged in a combination of new (25%) and used (75%) French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels for 12 months.

Winemaker notes

A long, mild growing season in 2002 allowed grapes to ripen evenly and develop excellent flavor.  Heat spells throughout September put a finishing touch on the vintage by enhancing intensity of flavor and color. 

This is a balanced, fruit-driven wine that exhibits aromas and flavors of raspberry, blackberry and cassis supplemented by supple tannins and a lingering finish.

Food Recommendations

Try this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with roasted prime rib in a cracked pepper crust, grilled veal chops with rosemary or a tender lamb chop.