William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

1998 Aura Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Source

100% estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested by hand between October 8 and November 3, at an average 24º Brix. To produce lower, more controlled yields, our viticultural team uses a number of vineyard management practices, including smaller vine canopies that restrict vegetative growth, thereby producing smaller, intensely flavored grapes.

Vintage

In terms of volume, the harvest of 1998 was noted for its lower grape tonnages of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing season was characterized by its erratic spring weather and “Indian Summer” harvest.  Grape clusters were much looser than 1997, with smaller berries yielding exceptional, concentrated flavor.  The 1998 Cabernets are distinguished by round, lush tannins and ripe, opulent currant, black cherry and wild berry flavors.

Winemaking

After hand selecting the grapes, 20% of the wine was fermented as whole berries to capture the rich, intense flavor of our Cabernet Sauvignon fruit. Aging took place in a combination of new, one- and two-year-old Seguin Moreau Margaux and François Frères Tronçais French oak barrels for one year. The wine was then re-blended and racked back into new Seguin Moreau Margaux and François Frères Tronçais barrels for an additional 12 months.

Winemaker notes

Each year, beginning with the 1996 vintage, William Hill Estate has produced its Aura Cabernet Sauvignon.  The wine is noted for its elegant fruit and refined tannins, making it a standout among the numerous Napa Valley “collectible” wines.  The name Aura is defined as “distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source.”  The 1998 Aura showcases our Silverado Bench estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon fruit as well as the considerable skill of our winemaking team.

 The 1998 William Hill Estate Aura Cabernet Sauvignon is a rich, full-bodied wine, with concentrated black, inky color and lush blackberry and cassis fruit flavors. A rich, smoky oak character is gained from the Seguin Moreau Margaux barrels, while the François Frères Tronçais barrels lend a sweet oak texture to the wine. Tannins are well-managed and structured, making this a true collectible, with aging potential of more than 15 years.

Food Recommendations

The 1998 William Hill Estate Aura Cabernet Sauvignon is an intensely rich, full-bodied wine that will pair well with most grilled meats, including a slow-cooked, herb encrusted standing rib roast.  This opulent wine is also suited to a braised lamb shank, baked in a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction sauce.