2018 Matthiasson Phoenix Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Matthiasson is owned and operated by Steve and Jill Matthiasson, who run their Napa Valley micro farm as a true family operation, producing a myriad of agricultural products and wine. They make very small batches of some of the most admired – and unusual -- wines coming out of Napa. The Matthiassons have championed the white grapes of northern Italy, such as Ribolla Gialla, and the ancient Italian red grapes Refosco and Schioppettino. They also produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and blends. Reviewers have been impressed. Matthiasson was a semi-finalist in the 2015 James Beard Foundation’s award for winemaking, and the San Francisco Chronicle named him 2014 Winemaker of the Year. Steve was a philosophy major who returned to college to study horticulture and then worked for years as a consultant in sustainable agriculture and winemaking before focusing on the family winemaking venture. Jill majored in botany and earned an advanced degree in agriculture. The couple are part of what’s been called the new DIY winemaking movement. They make artisanal wines with grapes sourced from leased vineyards, and they make styles and varieties that defy Napa winemaking conventions. Matthiasson source grapes from Oak Knoll, Dry Creek, Rutherford and Coombsville.

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.