The use of two different Cabernet Sauvignon clones in the vineyard, # 337 and # 191, provide our wine with a multi-dimensional layering of both flavor and aroma. Divided nearly evenly through out, both clones originate in the Bordeaux region of France. The lighter clusters of the # 191 produce berries that ripen almost as individual pieces of fruit, contributing greatly to the level of anthocyanins in the wine. These colored forms of tannins in the skin of the grapes, are responsible for the deep ruby almost black color of the wine, as well as other intriguing features. From the somewhat heavier clusters of the # 337, are extracted the inviting aromas and lively acidity that complements the concentrated fruit and soft chewy tannins. Both clones produce a superior sugar content and a well balanced, well bodied wine with keeping qualities. Our vinification process is gentle and straight forward, allowing all the characteristics of our One Acre to come through. The fruit was hand picked and hand sorted prior to de-steming, crushing, and maceration. The sugar, acid and pH levels of the must were almost classic textbook numbers, requiring no additions or adjustments. ( brix 24.6 degrees, titratable acidity 0.53 g/100ml, and a ph 3.47 ) Following alcoholic fermentation, the grape mass was gentle pressed and both the free run and the press fraction were moved into barrels where the wine went through malolactic fermentation. This increased the wine’s body, enhanced its mouth feel and provided a hint of vanilla without changing its dominate fruit characteristics. After 20 months in French oak barrels (1/3 new – 2/3 neutral), in July of 2007 our first vintage was bottled. Our 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon will reveal an enticing aroma of bitter orange peel, tea leaves, bakers’ chocolate, followed by ripe red cherries, red plum, black current and a touch of anise. On the palate, the wine’s concentrated, black fruit and dried berry flavors are enriched by cedar, smoke, graphite and tar along with subtle vanilla accents, followed by a sweet wood finish. Delicious to drink now, this classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will develop beautifully in bottle for another 5-7 years.