2010 Charles Krug Yountville Cabernet Sauvignon

Charles Krug is one of Napa Valley’s most storied wineries. It was founded in 1861 by Charles Krug, a Prussian immigrant who amassed a 540-acre estate before his death. Prohibition and phylloxera brought difficult times to the winery in the early 20th century, and in 1943 it was bought by Cesare Mondavi, an Italian immigrant. Mondavi turned the winery into powerhouse, but after his death his sons Robert and Peter famously disagreed on what direction to take the winery. The result was that Peter and his mother stayed on at Charles Krug and Robert Mondavi started a winery that was to become one of the most influential in California, and to some extent, the world. Today Charles Krug is still run by Peter Mondavi’s sons and it produces nearly one million cases a year, ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.

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.