2017 - Abel Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery exclusive.

Napa Valley’s wine history is deeply rooted in the California Gold Rush (1848–1855) and the prosperity-seeking pioneers who settled around San Francisco. One such pioneer was California gold miner, saloonkeeper and grape-grower, Abel McFarland. In 1872, McFarland purchased land north of Napa along the Silverado trail and planted vineyards.

During prohibition, the property exchanged hands several times until 1968 when it was sold to Harry See (of See’s Candy fame) who named it Silverado Vineyard and planted Cabernet. The vineyard is situated in the area now known as Stags Leap District, legendary for its Cabernet.

Ten years later, Silverado purchased the site and extraordinary vineyard – which is where we source the grapes for our SOLO Cabernet. Each year we select distinctive blocks of a special field selection from this same vineyard and create a one-of-a-kind, single-vineyard Cabernet in Abel’s honor

Cheese pairing suggestion: Grana Padano

$90

Tasting Notes Pronounced aromas of ripe red and black cherries and rose petals. A burst of sweet red cherries, pomegranate and plum greet the palate. Hints of vanilla, cola and clove. Striking energy, smooth and refined tannins, and a long cherry finish. Vintage Notes From abundant winter rains to cool spring weather, warm summer temperatures and October’s wildfires, 2017 is a memorable vintage. Plentiful winter rains helped refresh our vines and led to a cool, mild spring. Due in part to these warmer temperatures, 90% of Napa Valley’s grape tonnage was harvested before the wine country wildfires began. Based on Silverado’s house wine style, we typically pick early and were fortunate to have 100% of our fruit harvested with no smoke impact.

Varietal 100% Cabernet
Appellation Stags Leap District
Vineyard 100% Silverado Vineyard
Varietal September 28, 2017
24.4° Brix
Skin Contact 25 days of skin contact
Oak Profile 18 months barrel age
48% new French oak
Overall oak profile: 100% French
Analysis 14.4% Alcohol
6.85 g/L TA
3.43 pH
Limited Production 660 cases
Bottled June 2019
Aging Suggestions Very approachable in its youth.
5-8 years peak; drink by 10-12 years