2006 Leonardini Vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 3L

The Vineyard:
The Leonardini Vineyard is the crown jewel of Whitehall Lane's six Napa Valley vineyards. It is located on the western side of valley floor, at the southern edge of the town of St. Helena. This gravelly 14-acre vineyard has been recognized as the finest representation of Cabernet Sauvignon for the entire St. Helena Appellation.

Winemaking
The fruit was hand sorted and fermented in a temperature-controlled tank for 14 days. The pressed wine was aged separately from the free run juice and both lots were aged in 100% French oak cooperage. After 13 months in barrel, a small portion of pressed wine was added back into the free run and this final lot was aged an additional 12 months before being bottled on December 4, 2008.

Tasting Notes:
The rich, complex fruit of the Leonardini Vineyard shines through in this 2006 vintage offering. The bold, youthful tannin balances the black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors beautifully. While delicious now, this is a wine that will reward patient aging as the fruit continues to develop from within and the tannin melts away.