Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Yardstick fra Goldschmidt Vineyards, Napa Valley Californien

Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Yardstick fra Goldschmidt Vineyards, Napa Valley Californien

A yardstick is an old basis for measurement, which can be used as a baseline or reference point. YARDSTICK Ruth’s Reach Cabernet Sauvignon is just that: it offers the signature taste of Napa Valley but without the baseline Napa Valley price. The 2011 vintage comes from a small vineyard near Calistoga.

This site is in an up-valley area, where the climate and soils are quite different from the surrounding regions. A marine air incursion that affects the lower areas of the valley is not dominant here and the grapes consistently reach full maturity. The 2011 growing season was characterized by drought-like conditions and warm weather. Harvest was early and yields were lower than 2010.

Nick Goldschmidt crushed 9 tons of fruit from Ruth’s Reach for this vintage. The glacial soils are thin on this side of the valley and force the vines to search more deeply for resources. Thinner soils result in smaller berries, lower natural yield, more even sun exposure, and ultimately higher tannin per berry.

The higher tannin translates into wines with more structure and weight.

Deep garnet; strawberry and red cherry in the nose with raspberry and blackberry accents. Broad mid-palate with blackberry and black cherry flavors. Soft and silky tannins. Shows a hint of walnut and plum in the finish.

Alc. 14.4%, Lagring: 15 måneder på franske egetræsfade, Drue:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon.