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The Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of the two excellent estate vineyards of Ladera. The Lone Canyon Vineyard is located in mid Napa Valley in the western hills on the flank of Mt Veeder. It totals 480 acres with only 75 acres planted to vineyard. The site is moderate in slope to very steep with elevations up to 1,100 feet above sea level. This vineyard is relatively cool, primarily because of its elevation, but also due to its southerly location in Napa Valley. The soils are very well drained, moderately deep, clay loam.
Ladera Howell Mountain vineyard is a perfect compliment to Ladera Lone Canyon. The Howell Mountain vineyard is located at an elevation of 1600 to 1800 feet, with gently rolling terrain. The soils are iron-rich, red, clay loam soils with an abundance of gravel for excellent drainage. Because of the elevation, the climate is very different from the valley floor of Napa. It tends to be above the fog line in the summer and so receives sun for a longer duration during the day. Also because of the higher elevation, the temperatures are cooler in the day and warmer at night than the valley floor.
The 2006 Ladera Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was fermented with a number of different wine yeasts including native yeasts at approximately 65%. The fermentations finished in 10-12 days. The wine received 0 to 7 days of skin contact after fermentation depending on the wine. The wine was barrel aged for 17 months in new (39%) and used French oak barrels, and was bottled February 26, 2008.
This wine is distinct from the Ladera vineyard designated Cabernets in that it is a blend of both estate vineyards, and it is a blend of Bordeaux varietals. Each of the Bordeaux varieties adds something different to the wine's complexity. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the varietal character, depth and structure of the wine. Petite Verdot gives the wine richness on the mid palate, along with added juicy flavors to the finish. Malbec contributes the dark fruit flavors and freshness to the aromas.
The 2006 vintage provided low yields, uniform ripening and overall high quality. A wet winter and spring brought a late bud break. An extended heat wave in July with low humidity and high winds set the stage for dehydration but light rains the first week in October helped maintain the integrity of the fruit. Overall, 2006 was a cool growing season with almost no rain which allowed for the grapes to mature to their optimum potential. The low crop size contributed to the wine's superb richness, structure, depth and varietal character.
The wine has aromas of blackberry and raspberry fruit; rose pedals, mint and white pepper with toasty and vanilla highlights. Dark plum and bramble berry flavors fill the mouth. The tannin structure is full and highly extracted, but soft and lush. This makes the wine enjoyable now, and should also age well for another 8-10 years.
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