2017 Italics Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Italics was founded by the Martin family of Texas, who had founded a business growing grapefruits and distributing produce. They eventually became one of the biggest distributors of produce in Texas and owned more than 7,000 acres of orchards. The Martins sold the company in 2012 and because they had for many years been visiting Napa Valley, they bought a wine label. In 2014 the family bought 71 acres in Coombsville and an existing cellar. They made improvements to the winery and hired Steve Reynolds as winemaker. The estate produces about 5,000 cases annually. They make Cabernet Sauvignnon, red and white blends.

Coombsville AVA is one of Napa Valley’s newer appellations, having received its official designation only in 2011. Tucked just to the northeast of Los Carneros and a few minutes’ drive east of downtown Napa, the Coombsville appellation is relatively large at a total of 11,000 acres. The elevation varies from 100 to 1,000 feet, and the climate is moderated by marine breezes from the San Pablo Bay. The main grape varieties here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Pinot Noir.

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.