2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2008 was not an easy vintage and the output was in many cases much lower than usual. However, the stress the grapes went through resulted in grapes of great quality. It is a very big, structured vintage but with smooth tannins and good acidity. When putting together the final blend, I added 5% Cabernet Franc from Stag's Leap District and 1% Petit Verdot with a Napa designation, which resulted in a very silky mouthfeel, increased aromatics and a bit more structure.

For the 2008 Congruence Cabernet Sauvingnon, the wine from the four southern Napa Valley vineyard sites spent 22 months in French oak. For the first 3-4 months, 60% was new oak. After that period, only older oak barrels were utilized.

Tasting Notes from Consulting Winemaker Kian Tavakoli:
Deep, dark red color with a garnet hue. A complex nose of refined and layered red and black fruit aromas, complimented by the subtle oak notes that add depth to the entire profile. On the palate, it is marked by roasted coffee grounds, dried currant, mineral and sage notes. It is full bodied, with touches of cedar and tobacco in the back, anchored by dense tannins that linger in the long finish.

2008 Production: 125 cases


2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel

Our 2009 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel grapes were sourced from two top Dry Creek Valley vineyards and petite sirah was sourced from Mendocino County (Eaglepoint Ranch). The final blend of the wine was 87% zinfandel (equally split between the two Dry Creek Valley vineyards) and 13% petite sirah.

Wine Notes: A medium dark red color with a ruby shade. Spicy nose that shows off black pepper and tobacco notes with loads of brambly fruit and minerality. The palate expresses dried cherry and licorice flavors with firm tannins and balanced acidity that anchor the finish and give it structure.