2006 Sleeping Giant Cabernet Sauvignon

Notes from the Winemaker: The 2006 vintage was the second cool vintage in a row for Napa Valley. The limited crop of fruit was rigorously sorted, gently destemmed and fermented in a small, open-topped tank utilizing a combination of soft pumpovers and hand “punch-downs”. Aromas of black cherry cola, malt extract and earth emanated from the fermentor during the active portion of the fermentation. After macerating on the skins for 28 days, the wine was pressed and transferred to 75% new and 25% once used, tight grained Gamba French oak barrels. The wine was aged for 24 months in each barrel and decanted four times over this period. It was bottled without fining or filtration on December 18th, 2008, and received an entire year of bottle age prior to release.

Tasting/Review: Noted Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis had this to say about the 2006 Sleeping Giant:Bright, intense ruby red and highly viscous. On the nose the wine has notes of stewed fruits, prune, fig, plum, Grand Marnier, red licorice, fennel, rhubarb, cedar, and cigar box. It is full bodied and richly fruity with red and black fruit plus sundried tomato and smoke. The wine has fairly gripping tannins now which will soften with aeration or age, and the finish is long and expressive. This vibrant, forthcoming wine is a standout.