91 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2012 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Monitor Ledge Vineyard
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Monitor Ledge takes its name from an outcropping in the mountains overlooking the vineyard. The fruit from Monitor Ledge has been an important component of Duckhorn Vineyards wine blends since 1985. Located on the alluvial fan of Selby Creek, the site is composed of cobblestones and a gravelly, sandy loam soil. Because water drains rapidly in the lean soil, the vines struggle to grow, and the resulting fruit has intensity and structure that make the wines from this vineyard unique. With excellent sun exposure, the fruit consistently ripens to ideal maturity. This vineyard is often the first we harvest, bringing us an early indication of the quality of the vintage to come.
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
95
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak Chateau-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 85% new, 15% second vintage
Winemaker Notes
Both elegant and appealing, this wine slowly reveals layered aromas of truffle, blackberry, dried fig and rose petals, as well as hints of sweet, warm oak. On the palate, flavors of pomegranate, red raspberry and rhubarb underscore the darker fruit elements, with hints of thyme and tamarind paste adding savoriness to a long, focused finish.
Production
2012 offered near-perfect growing conditions. Though budbreak was late due to heavy spring rains, warm weather during bloom allowed the vines to set a large crop. Increased yields were the result of more berries, not larger berries. This translated into even higher quality in the winery, as the skin-to-juice ratio remained ideal. Slightly cooler-than-average post-veraison weather, and a lack of any heat events allowed for greatly extended hang time. Harvest was 2-3 weeks later than average, and the grapes arrived at the winery in pristine condition.
Other Notes
Released: September 2015
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2012
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Monitor Ledge Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 14 – October 29, 2012
Sugar
26.5° Brix
Acid
0.57 g/100ml titratable acidity
pH
3.79
Aging
18 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
10-12 days fermentation at 80°F
Bottling Date
August 2014
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Enthusiast
91
Wine Review Online
95
Product Reviews
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(Dec 10, 2015 at 4:20 PM)
A beautiful and elegant expression of NAPA cab. Coco envelops the nose, and huge, powerful blackberry & fig flavor overwhelm the palate. Violet petals rise to the top of the senses with a luxurious and seemingly endless finish. This is an unforgiving, decadent wine. Frank & Sandy