Caldwell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Gold Caldwell Vineyard 2011
(Coombsville, Napa Valley, California) - [VM 92] [WS 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:
A perfumed nose of black currant, raspberry, huckleberry, vanilla, rose petals, and cigar box. A blackberry attack leads to a full mouth of black cherry, red currant, Santa Rosa plum, loganberry, soy, and granite. Smooth, milk chocolate tannins give way to a vanilla, caramel and mocha finish.

The 2011 vintage was considered the toughest vintage in decades. It was a cool growing season but mild. June rains produced shatter in late developing varieties and increased mildew pressure. Regularly alternating rain and heat spells during the ripening season produced high humidity and perfect conditions for botrytis. Fortunately, at Caldwell, we were able to utilize our full time vineyard crew, high quality standards and experience to wade through the challenges. The berry sizes were smaller with good flavor but soft skins.

Wood Origin: 100% French (Troncais, Bertranges, Jupilles)
Ageing: 18 months in barrel
Composition: 100% Carbernet Sauvignon
ppellation: Napa Valley, Coombsville District

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"Bright ruby. Very ripe, sweet aromas of chocolatey oak and graphite minerality. Sweeter and plusher than the Silver, offering excellent depth and a densely packed quality to its dark fruit and sweet oak flavors. Broad, palate-saturating cabernet with firm, substantial but ripe tongue-dusting tannins and a surprisingly light touch. Like the Silver, this wine was barrel-fermented with the objective of getting better integration of tannins, noted winemaker Marbue Marke. Incidentally, 2007 was the last vintage of this wine to include a syrah component. " - Stephen Tanzer (May 2014)

90 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Shows off juicy blackberry, plum and wild berry flavors, presented in a tight format, with pleasant touches of cedar, spice, black licorice and crushed rock. Gains depth and holds focus on the finish.  173 cases made." - JL (Nov 15, 2014)