Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Louis Martini

Conditions throughout the 2013 growing season in the Napa Valley were excellent, making for yet another classic vintage. A timely bud break and steady flowering were followed by even fruit set and a lengthy season of warm days and cool nights. Dry weather throughout the growing season made for excellent harvest conditions, allowing fruit to be picked at optimal maturity and balance. Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon delivers the highest quality from our premier Napa Valley vineyards. After destemming, the grapes were transferred to upright tanks for a two- to three-day cold soak. The must was pumped over up to three times a day, with some delestage for the Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot lots to soften tannins. We tasted each lot daily to determine the optimal drainage time, which ultimately led to some extended maceration for the Cabernet. Each lot was evaluated separately as it aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels (30% new, 70% used) with medium to heavy toast levels.