2016 Trefethen Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Trefethen Family Vineyards is in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. It was founded by John and Janet Trefethen in 1973. John’s parents, Eugene and Catherine, had retired to Napa Valley in 1968 and had purchased several small farms and a rundown winery. Eugene had been an executive with Kaiser Industries and his retirement plan was to sell grapes. John, however, started making wine as a college student and in 1973 he and his wife produced a debut commercial vintage. The 560-acre estate is known for its Chardonnay, though it also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and blends.

Oak Knoll AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newest appellations, having received that status in 2004. Located on the southern end of Napa Valley, the appellation is close to San Pablo Bay and therefore relatively cool. Of the 8,300 acres within the appellation, 4,150 are vineyards. The principal grapes grown are Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Locals like to call Oak Knoll “the sweet spot” thanks to its location between the San Pablo Bay and its maritime climate and the much hotter climate of Napa Valley’s floor.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.