2014 Salvestrin Three D Cabernet Sauvignon

Salvestrin has been in the Salvestrin family since 1932, when Italian immigrants John and Emma Salvestrin purchased part of the historic Crane Ranch and began growing grapes for local wineries. With the 1994 vintage the estate released its first commercial wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon. Th estate is certified as Napa Green, meaning it has met strict criteria for sustainable farming. Today his grandson Rich runs the estate with help from his wife and daughters. Salvestrin produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Bordeaux blends and Sauvignon Blanc.

St. Helena AVA is at the northern end of Napa Valley just north of Rutherford and south of Calistoga. It is a relatively warm climate thanks to the Mayacamas Mountains on its western edge, which protect it from Pacific Ocean fog. Out of the 9,000 acres in the appellation, some 1,500 are under vine. The principal grapes grown in St. Helena are the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. St. Helena is considered prime wine producing territory, and it was one of the first important wine producing regions in northern California. The legendary Charles Krug founded his winery just north of the town of St. Helena in 1873, and today the appellation is home to many prestigious producers, including Abreu, Grace Family and Spottswoode.

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.