Dry Creek Valley is known for zinfandel, and with generally good reason, as the valley is so warm in the summer that few other varieties fare well. However, this view misses an important point: the “valley” AVA actually includes the steep hillsides that surround the valley floor, where fog and elevation moderate temperatures and rocky, impoverished soils force the vines to struggle, producing concentrated, flavorful grapes. This can result in stunning Cabernet Sauvignon that has structure and power, and best of all, actually tastes like Cabernet. Today’s wine is an example of Dry Creek hillside Cabernet at its finest, combining power, elegance, and balance into a wine of great depth and character.
The 2003 Collier Falls “Hillside Estate” Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from extremely steep, rocky vineyards high in the hills in the far Northwest Dry Creek Valley. A tiny percentage of Petit Verdot and Cabernet franc are blended in to add complexity. Deep purple in color, the nose explodes with crème de cassis, leather, tobacco, graphite, sassafras, and an incredibly beautiful aroma of violets. This wine is in a beautiful place, with the nose showing a little bit of age, yet remaining fresh. The palate is equally lively and vibrant, with black cherry, fresh blackberry, leather, and the slightest hint of capsicum. At this age, the wine is very smooth, and yet it still possesses a backbone of firm tannins that indicate it can still age for several years. The finish shows incredible depth, going on and on, drawing you in for more. This is so balanced that it can go with a wide range of food, but it would be perfect with braised meat or beef stew.
Harvest Dates: September 19, 2003
Average Degree Brix: 26
Bottling Date: September 2005
Release Date: December 2007
pH: 3.38
TA: 0.54g/100ml
Alcohol: 14.8%
Blend: 98% Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2% Estate Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot
Aging: 22 months in 100% French oak barrels
Fermentation: Closed top, aerative pump-overs
Skin Contact: 45 days (alcoholic fermentation & extended maceration)
Racked: 5 times previous to bottling
Total Cases Made: 1100 750ml
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
