2014 Joel Gott Cabernet Sauvignon Napa

Winery Notes:

Our GOTT 14 Cabernet Sauvignon opens with concentrated aromas of black cherry and cocoa, with subtle threads of earthiness and cassis. Bright, soft fruit flavors give way to a powerful, finely structured mid-palate. A rich mouthfeel rounds out the lengthy finish.

We selected our Cabernet Sauvignon fruit from hillside vines in southeast Napa, as well as the esteemed Knights Valley AVA in Sonoma County. Our Cabernet fruit from Sugarloaf Vineyard in Napa brought power, weight and well-structured tannins to the wine. The Cabernet grapes at St. Helena’s Crocker-Talcott Vineyard added a soft, red fruit character, while Petit Verdot from Crocker-Talcott lent spicy undertones, a rich mouthfeel and complexity to the blend. We chose Malbec fruit from Knights Valley for its power, structure and well-balanced acidity.

The 2014 season began with a dry winter, followed by heavy rains in the early spring, creating conditions that are optimal for flavor development and balance. Overall, the fruit experienced warm weather leading to an early harvest. Individual vineyard blocks were picked as they ripened, giving all of the fruit a chance to fully mature.

Following harvest, we co-fermented the Cabernet Sauvignon fruit with our Knight’s Valley Malbec to ensure ideal color stabilization and soften the Cabernet Sauvignon’s powerful tannins. The wine was aged for 21 months, with 92% in new French oak and 8% in one year-old French oak.