Liparita 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, V Block, Yountville, Napa Valley

In 1880, William Keyes, a geologist, came to Napa Valley and discovered what he felt was a remarkable area on Howell Mountain with the perfect soils for wine. The soils reminded him of those on Lipari Island, a volcanic archipelago off the coast of Sicily, and that became in inspiration for the name “Liparita.” in 2006, Spencer Hoopes purchased and revived the Liparita brand and he's been producing expressive appellation designated Cabernet's since.

For this 2014 V Block the fruit was sourced from a prime vineyard in Yountville, not far from the the Dominus Napanook Estate. The wine is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 2% Petite Sirah aged for 21 months in 100% French oak of which 33% is new.

Anne Vawter began as the winemaker with the 2012 vintage. She credits much of her winemaking style to the years she worked with legendary winemaker Heidi Barrett while at Paradigm winery in Oakville. She holds a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis. She says about this 2014 "2014 is a voluptuous vintage. A well-balanced crop and easy going growing season gifted us by lengthening the 'just right' window of physiological maturity and peak flavors. This is a layered and refined expression of our Liparita Cabernet, still powerful, but with an active mid-palate and spacious freshness on the finish."