2015 Italics One of Sixteen Appellations Diamond Mountain 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.

Diamond Mountain District AVA is in the Mayacamas Mountains at the northwestern end of Napa Valley. The appellation is relatively high and the entire district is more than 400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet above sea level. Because of their altitude, Diamond Mountain vineyards experience warmer days but colder nights than vineyards on the valley floor. Once volcanic soil, the terrain in the appellation has over time become less fertile, making grape growing particularly challenging. Nevertheless the district has attracted wine producers for more than a century. There are 500 vineyard acres out of a total of 5,000 acres. Among the highly regarded wineries here are Lokoya Winery, Diamond Creek Vineyards and Schramsberg Vineyards. Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are generally firmly structured, rich and quite tannic. Chardonnay is full-bodied with apple and peach aromas and firm acidity.

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.