2004
Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon, Stagecoach Vineyard Napa Valley
Winemaker's Notes
We have been releasing a vineyard designate wine made from select blocks of this intriguing, high elevation vineyard for four vintages now. The Cabernet Sauvignon we produce from it has a wonderful sinewy texture and a distinct balance of ripe, focused, high-toned fruit and acidity that create a gorgeously structured wine. The 2004 displays a deep blackish crimson color accompanied by aromas of cassis, lavender and underbrush. The palate boasts excellent fruit purity; layers of blackberry, currant and red licorice intermix with earthy tones of espresso and fresh tobacco. Tannins are chewy and the finish long and slightly smoky. Alcohol 14.7%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Jan Krupp
Vineyard
Stagecoach Vineyard
Appellation
Napa Valley
Clones
7 & 337
Vineyard Age
Planted in 1997
Site
Mountaintop with rocky, red volcanic, clay-loam soils with southwest exposure
Yield
2 tons/acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
October 12
Harvest Brix
25.4°
Growing Season
Warm weather in spring led to an early budbreak. A summer of unusually high temperatures resulted in a very early harvest. Consistent work in the vineyards was the key to keeping vines and fruit in balance and assuring even ripening. The resulting cabernets are bold wines, with great density and lots of chewy tannins.
Winemaking
• Hand-harvested grapes
• Fermented in small, closed-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
• 5 day cold soak, 30 days total maceration
• Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels ;
1 to 2 months to completion
• Aged 21 months in Taransaud, Seguin Moreau, Bossuet, Radoux and Alain Fouquet French oak barrels; 100% new
• Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled July 2006
