William Hill Estate : Napa Valley

1997 Aura Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape Source

Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (100%) harvested by hand from our Silverado Bench vineyards on September 11, 1997, at an average 24.4º Brix. To produce low yields and intensely flavored fruit, our viticultural team uses individual vine management with a smaller vine canopy, restricting vegetative growth, producing black, inky grapes.

Vintage

In terms of quality and volume, 1997 has been called “the vintage of the century” for California Cabernet Sauvignon. The growing season was characterized by nearly perfect weather, vine health, grape set and harvest conditions. 1997 Napa Valley Cabernets are distinguished by round, plush 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 fruit. Aging took place in a combination of new and one-year-old Seguin Moreau (54%) and François Frères 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

Continuing a long, rich tradition of producing collectible Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon wines, William Hill Estate created Aura Cabernet Sauvignon.  Defined as “distinctive atmosphere surrounding a given source,” Aura showcases our Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon fruit as well as the considerable skill of our winemaking team.

The 1997 William Hill Estate Aura Cabernet Sauvignon is an elegant, 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 barrels, while the François Frères 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 1997 William Hill Estate Aura Cabernet Sauvignon is an intensely rich, full-bodied wine that will pair well with rich dishes such as filet mignon.  A succulent leg of lamb braised in a Cabernet Sauvignon reduction sauce will also highlight this Estate-grown wine.