Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate 2003

Souverain Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate 2003
Region: Napa Valley
Winery: Souverain
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Rating:

Vineyards & Vintage
Fruit for the 2003 vintage came from Souverain’s own estate vineyards in the Alexander Valley. These vineyards are located along an inland expanse of the Russian River, which channels early evening breezes to cool the valley’s warm afternoons. The moderated warm climate as well as the volcanic and alluvial soils of the valley allows Cabernet grapes to ripen evenly and retain their balanced acidity.
The 2003 growing season was one of unique extremes. Following one of the warmest and wettest winters on record, May saw profuse vine growth that shattered much of the fruit set and resulted in a fairly light Cabernet crop. With summer months generally cool, but with a few heat spikes in the low 100’s as well as unusual thunder and lightning shows, the low crop load really helped the vines ripen the fruit in a timely fashion in late September and October. Cabernet was in perfect condition upon arrival with high sugars, ripe flavors and big tannins.
Winemaking
Winemaker Ed Killian keeps each vineyard lot of the Cabernet Sauvignon separate, gently pressing each lot for desired color and flavor extraction—an important step in the Souverain Cabernet program. The wine is then racked and aged in new French oak for a total 26 months before blending and bottling. Ed Killian and his winemaking staff keep close watch on each wine throughout the aging process to help determine which lots will make up the final blend.
Winemaker’s Comments
The 2003 Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet Sauvignon offers classic Cabernet aromatics of black cherry, plum and currant as well as the opulent structure for which Souverain is known. The time spent aging in oak offers layered nuances of vanilla, fresh roast coffee, nutmeg and clove. This balanced Cabernet Sauvignon is well-structured with fine-grained tannins that lead to a long, powerful finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon is round, balanced and inviting.
Appellation: Alexander Valley
Components: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest: October 6, 2003
Brix: 25.2
Total Acids: 0.59 g/100 ml
pH: 3.75
Alcohol: 14.6%
Cooperage: Aged 26 months in French oak barrels (100% new)
Case Production: 386
Release: March 2007

Posted by thewinery on December 1st, 2007 at 9:51am | report comment