2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa ValleySteady State
Vintage Notes
Balance in the vineyard - for soils, vines, and weather - is just as
critical as balance in the wine. Winter leading up to the 2022
season at our Oak Knoll estate vineyard was mild, with enough
moisture to build nutrient storage and assure healthy initial canopy growth. Warm, but not overly hot weather prevailed through harvest, allowing us to circumvent any danger of frost, and assuring an even ripening pattern. Final maturation was homogenous across the entire vineyard, enabling us to complete harvest in a single day on October 16 th . Overall yield was slightly above average, the fruit was pristine, with an ideal skin-to-juice ratio.
Winemaker Notes
The fruit arrived cold during the early morning hours and was
optically sorted after gentle destemming. A slightly elevated (80
deg. F) peak fermentation temperature and judicious management of the maceration using well-timed pumpovers provided an environment in which we could extract tannins of the highest possible quality. The 2022 Steady State is 100% Cabernet
Sauvignon and was aged in small French oak barrels (50% new).
Tasting Notes
The 2022 Steady State Cabernet Sauvignon is dark ruby, with an
enhanced violet hue. Dominant inviting aromas of ripe blackberry
and boysenberry are very focused, with notes of rose and black tea in the background. On the palate, the wine has superb tension, as pomegranate, graphite and cherry emerge, grounded through the finish with a firm textural core that is refined, complex and nuanced. A top note that is equally fresh and savory further complements the flavors already present.
Technical Details
- Blend100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- WinemakerJosh Phelps
- CountryUS
- AppellationNapa Valley
- Alcohol14.5%