2013 Yardstick Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

A yardstick is an old basis for measurement which can be used as a baseline or reference point. YARDSTICK Ruth’s Reach Cabernet Sauvignon is just that: it offers the signature taste of Napa Valley but without the baseline Napa Valley price. The 2013 vintage comes from a small vineyard near Calistoga. This area is an up-valley area, where the climate and soils are quite different from the surrounding regions. A marine air incursion that affects the lower areas of the valley is not dominant here and the grapes consistently reach full maturity. The glacial soils are thin on this side of the valley and force the vines to search more deeply for resources. Thinner soils result in smaller berries, lower natural yield, more even sun exposure, and ultimately higher tannin per berry. The higher tannin translates into wines with more structure and weight. YARDSTICK shows: medium-garnet color, aromas of chocolate and butterscotch which compliment ripe cherry and red berry fruit; black cherry and raspberry flavors, a round palate with full yet soft tannins, and caramel, oak, and strawberry fruit in the finish.