2008 Lewelling Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard

The slightly more expensive, opaque purple-hued 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Wight Vineyard (aged 18 months in 100% new French oak) is essentially a barrel selection. Obviously, the more structured wines with more density and aging potential were chosen for this cuvee. Very backward compared to the Napa bottling, the Wight Vineyard exhibits more graphite and toast along with creme de cassis, smoke and floral characteristics. Deep, rich and reserved with plenty of tannin, it needs time in the bottle, so cellar it for 4-5 years and drink it over the following three decades. The Lewelling vineyard is situated on Lewelling Lane, which is south of St. Helena. It is an alluvial gravel bed at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains. Proprietor and winemaker Dave Wight consistently produces some of the great values of Napa Valley. Over-delivering and producing world-class, unfined and unfiltered Cabernet Sauvignon from his vineyard in northern Napa appears to be his goal, and he meets it beautifully. If you haven’t discovered the wines of Lewelling, it’s about time. Tel. and Fax (707) 963-1685