Did you know that California has 6 wine growing regions with over 30 AVA’s? And 80% of California wine is produced in a certified sustainable winery? And, they have a diversity of soils, fog influence and a Mediterranean climate along with 248,900 hectares of vineyards, making them the 4th largest producer in the world.

It was definately worth attending this seminar during the Vancouver International Wine Festival.

And, I was pleasantly surprised to re-discover how diverse and beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon can be.

As it is one of the most complex places on earth for topography, it makes sense that California is also talking and trialing drought tolerant varietals due to the shifts in weather and climate change.

Here are the wines tasted & enjoyed during this fantastic seminar:

1. Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Bosché, Rutherford, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
   • Very similar to Margaux style in France
   • Bosché Vineyard is famous with old vines and 2018 was a perfect vintage
   • 27 months in French Oak
   • Notes: vegetal, dark fruit, dusty and fine grained tannins, nice acidity, smooth with beautiful balance

1. Provenance Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
   • Made from multi vineyards
   • There were fires in ’17, but their wines were not affected
   • Notes: delicious, with brighter fruit, finessed

1. Silverado Vineyards, Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2019
   • From Coombsville – a pocket, the lowest growing season in Napa
   • Cool vintage with no fires
   • Notes: red fruits, round, plus, vegetal, sage, herbacious, garrigue, shows the ruggedness of the terroir, smooth

1. Pine Ridge Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
   • In the Stags Leap District
   • Notes: bright acidity, dusty tannins, dark red fruit, finessed, lush
   • Young but really lovely

1. Dominus, Napanook, Yountville, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
   • Notes: vegetal, distinctive, delicious and so smooth, savoury
   • Dry farmed

1. Signorello Estate, Padrone, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
   • Notes: distinctive, finessed, fine tannins, dark red fruit, plush
   • Homage to Ray (winemaker) Dad, not made every year
   • Burned down from the fires of 2017 and is re-opening in 2024

1. Louis M. Martini, Lot No. 1, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
   • Notes: savourym fine grained, dry tannins, lead, lovely, vegetal, wild brush, mountain fruit notes
   • Planted in 1933, 1st winery to use wind machines
   • 35% from the Stagecoach Vineyard which is likely moving towards Solar Power

1. Robert Mondavi Winery, To Kalon Vineyard, Napa Valley, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
   • Notes: Bright acidity, mineral backbone, dry herbs, savoury, smooth, garrigue, nice tannins
   • Vineyards date back to 1860’s

Honestly, it was an absolute pleasure to listen to the winemakers and have local Sommelier DJ Kearney lead the seminar. It was a lovely reminder that the wines from Napa Valley need to be cellared, tasted, savoured, and really enjoyed.

Make sure you attend and enjoy the next Vancouver International Wine Festival in 2025, it’s the largest consumer Wine Festival in all of North America!

Until then, keep sipping and exploring wines from around the world.

Cheers, Donita