A Leonardini Family Selection Wine
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
The Appellation:
Rutherford is the historic grape growing region in the heart of
Napa Valley. This area was the birthplace for great California
Cabernet Sauvignon dating back to the mid-1800's. The first
winemakers believed a quality called "Rutherford Dust" made these
wines special. Today, we believe wines made from grapes grown in
Rutherford aren't just special, they are some of the finest wines
made anywhere in the world.
The Vineyards:
Whitehall Lane owns three vineyards in Rutherford and Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes grown in our Rutherford West Vineyard on the
northwest edge of the Rutherford Appellation is the key component
in this wine. The balance of the fruit was grown in three other
Rutherford locations including the Morisoli Vineyard.
The Vintage:
2005 was an outstanding growing year that began with cool, wet
weather, followed by mild summer months. With ample moisture in the
soil and warm days, the fruit ripened slowly and evenly. After
extended hangtime for ripe flavor development, the Cabernet
Sauvignon grapes were harvested from October 9th to November
2nd.
Winemaking:
The wine was made in four separate barrel lots and blended together
after 14 months. The oak treatment was 100% French Oak of which 40%
was new oak and 60% was aged in two year old barrels. The wine was
racked three times during the aging process and was bottled in
November 2007 after 25 months in barrel.
Tasting Notes:
The Rutherford Dust shines through in this offering. The wine
displays perfect balance between power and ripeness. The aromas are
enticing and the texture is round and luxurious. The wine is loaded
with delicious flavors of black fruit including berry and cherry
that are framed nicely by the toasty oak. It displays exceptional
balance and finishes with lingering, round tannins. This classic
cabernet will continue to gain depth, focus and charm through
2020.
The Closure:
The premiere bottlings of Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignons are
sealed with the revolutionary glass closure, Vino-Seal. This
elegant alternative to cork offers an ideal seal that allows the
wine to retain its purity of flavor and aroma. Whitehall Lane was
the first to use this revolutionary closure beginning with the 2003
Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
