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Wine Details
Price:
Description:
2002 will be noted for being a labor-intensive, low-yield year in the vineyard, with the ensuing wines being aromatic, robust and complex. Vines at Spottswoode pushed early, due to the relatively mild temperatures and low rainfall we experienced in February. The growing season was long and cooperative, with the exception of a couple heat spikes late in the season-typical of our Napa Valley weather patterns. Fog returned to provide those coveted cool mornings in which to pick our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. The 2002 Vintage exhibits the characteristics we have come to expect from the Spottswoode Estate - blackberry, clove and baking spices. Rose petal is very prominent from the addition of Cabernet Franc. The tannins are polished yet firm, the wine worthy of further aging.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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Cabernet Franc:
Cabernet Franc is an accessible, spicy, herbal, dark blue grape variety that is often compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc tends to be softer and has less tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, although the two can be difficult to distinguish. Sometimes the French refer to Cabernets, which could mean either of the two grapes. Its typical aromas include an herbaceous and pronounced peppery nose, even in ripe fruit, and something eerily like tobacco. The Cabernet Franc ripens at an earlier stage, which gives it reason to exist in the Bordeaux area. In the Loire, where we find it a lot, it gives a clear red fresh and fruity wine.
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