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Vitus Napa Valley Releases '07 Cab in Style
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Vitus Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
Vitus is derived from the word viticulture, or simply put, the study of wine. Developing from a keen passion for quality wine, Vitus Napa Valley is the brainchild of Vintner Fred Hearn and Winemaker John Gilpin, who together have been creating palate pleasers since 2005.
To celebrate the release of the Vitus Napa Valley 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vitus invited their exclusive wine club members over for a casual get together. Although one could hardly call it casual with the attention to detail that was showcased throughout the night. From the exotic cheeses to the perfectly paired tri-tip, no expense was spared in welcoming this new vintage into the market. Tableaux event rentals set the scene with posh lounges, stylish lighting and a flare that only they can provide. Vitus offered the fruits of their labor as gratitude for the support and loyalty shown by their wine club members over the years.
Winemaker, John Gilpin, who primarily produces Bordeaux inspired reds, introduced his first Pinot Grigio at the event. Produced from fruit grown in the Oak Knoll region of the Napa Valley, it provides an array of aromatics upfront ranging from pear and melon to stone fruit and honeysuckle. The nose is confirmed with a few swishes in the mouth and the lingering fruits on the palate prove that this Pinot Grigio has significant structure and a backbone to support its golden straw hue. This wine will be released to the public in mid-December, just in time to pair it with your favorite holiday dishes.
The Vitus Napa Valley 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon provided an introduction to the style in which Gilpin has become famous for. With grapes from the Rydman Family Vineyards in Oakville serving as the foundation, this is a perfect example of what a Napa Valley Cab represents. The rich tannins, black fruit and hints of tobacco give way to the subtle flavors of cassis and french oak, further exemplifying the complexity that Vitus offers all its wines. This Cab carries with it all the indications that the vintage should cellar well for the next 5-10 years, though the impatient connoisseur would enjoy this wine at any time.
After an introduction from the Vintner, Fred Hearn, and a few words from Winemaker John Gilpin, fresh out of a barrel came the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon that everyone was waiting for. Well worth the wait it was! With the wine industry buzzing about the 2007 vintage in Napa Valley being among the best in 25 years for quality fruit production, Vitus did more than uphold that expectation, they exceeded it. Having all the characteristics one might expect from a Napa Cab, this representation offers a lesson in terroir and cabernet sauvignon's affinity for oak. The big bold tannins of present should expect to give way to velvety smooth ones as the wine sees more time in its french oak barrels and continues to mature. Though still in its infancy, this wine shows excellent promise and can be expected to cellar for 10-15 years easily.
Vitus Napa Valley, while still a rookie in the industry, produces wines like that of a seasoned veteran. With a Silver Medal from the State Fair already under their belt, Vitus should be one to keep your eye on in years to come. If you can manage to get ahold of their wines, buy a case. Drink a few and cellar the rest, for these wines will only get more complex and enjoyable with age. As always, best wishes for great wines and good times. CHEERS!
Contact Vitus:
www.vitusnapavalley.com
info@vitusnapavalley.com
707.446.8133
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