Dana Estates "Vaso" Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
(Rutherford, Napa Valley) - [JD 95] [JS 93] [VM 92]

There are three single vineyards spread across the Rutherford and Howell Mountain AVAs. The Helms Vineyard, in Rutherford, is planted solely to Cabernet Sauvignon, and is planted on gentle slopes with well-draining, gravelly loam soils.

In Howell Mountain, the Lotus and Hershey vineyards have slightly cooler climates and are both planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, the latter with a small amount of Sauvignon Blanc.

In the winery, grapes are fermented in either in concrete tanks, oak uprights or small barrels subject to the character of each vineyard plot. Dana's red wines are all aged in French oak barrels, mostly new, for up to two years depending on the vintage. The Sauvignon Blanc is also aged in barrel, although the percentage of new oak is much less.

In addition to the single vineyard wines, Dana Estates also produces a Bordeaux blend of mainly Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot.

About the wine:

VINTAGE The 2019 growing season started off with ample rainfall through the early spring, followed by one of the wettest May’s on record. The much-needed hydration resulted in full canopies and softer acidity in finished wines. The cooler weather through mid-summer slowed shoot growth and delayed veraison by a few weeks. In mid-August the season heated up with 90+ degree temperatures that continued through the end of September. Ideal weather conditions in October allowed the fruit to ripen to optimal maturity without the threat of rain or heat spikes. The 2019 wines reflect the vintage with opulent fruit, full body, and a broad textured finish.

HARVEST Harvest began on September 30th in our western facing Crystal Springs Vineyard. The next week we continued harvest at Lotus Vineyard, just north of Crystal Springs. The core of our VASO blend comes from our highest and coolest vineyard, Hershey Vineyard sitting atop Howell Mountain. Harvest of Malbec and Merlot started at Hershey on October 9 th, and the remainder of the Cabernet being picked mid to late October. Valley floor fruit, including fruit from our Rutherford Helms Vineyard, had the most diverse ripening, being picked starting October 8th to the conclusion of harvest on October 24th .

METHOD Our philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery has resulted in a slow progression to dry farming. This forces the vines to look deeper for water, but also for nutrients and minerals. The results are balanced vines that produce small, intensely flavored berries with thick dark skins. We used various fermentation vessels to harness the complexity of our sites including oak upright tanks, single barrel fermentations, and concrete tanks. After undergoing fermentation, the free run juice is drained directly off skins to barrel for native malolactic fermentation and aging, not being touched again until blending in early Spring.

Blend | 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Merlot, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

Élevage | 24 months in 15% new French oak

Alcohol | 15.3% pH | 3.76 TA | 6.0 g/L

Bottling Date | November 16 th , 2020

Tasting Notes:

The 2019 VASO Cabernet Sauvignon represents the warmer season with a plush, inviting entry expressing flavors of blackberry compote, spiced plum, and a long savory finish. The well-integrated, round tannins and low oak impact highlight the silky mouthfeel and vibrancy of the fruit. On the palate the wine opens with toasty almonds, baked strawberries, leading to savory herbs, and a creamy milk chocolate finish. This vintage presented rich, elegant wines with broad tannins and silky a mouthfeel. This approachable wine is beautiful now and will age gracefully as time passes.

Ratings and Reviews

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
"The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso is a more forward, plush, sexy wine that's already drinking brilliantly. Loaded with red and black fruits as well as leafy herbs, violets, and tobacco notes, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, juicy mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's a hidden gem of a wine that readers should buy." Drink 2023-2035. (2/2023)

93 Points - James Suckling
Perfumed and fruity with redcurrant and berry character, as well as a slightly dusty texture. Medium to full body, lightly round tannins and a fruity finish. Focused and fresh.  (3/2022)

92 Points - Vinous
The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Vaso is plump, juicy and immediate, all of which make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the near to medium term. Super-ripe dark cherry, black plum, chocolate, spice and sweet French oak are all dialed up. This heady, flamboyant Cabernet Sauvignon is a real head-turner. The aromatics suggest the 2019 is best enjoyed over the near and medium term. (AG) (10/2022)