2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Purchase 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

Connoisseurs’ Guide: One Puff:

“Running true to the winery norm insofar as it eschews blustery ripeness and extravagant oak, this latest release from Burgess keys instead on well-defined currants. If hardly bombastic, it is a supple and carefully balanced, medium bodied wine whose even-handed mix of fruit and tannin points the way to three to five years of cellar improvement.”

Vintage: 2003
Appellation: Napa Valley, California
Vineyard location: Burgess Winery Vineyard - St. Helena
Grape Variety: 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec

Winemaking data: Alcohol 13.9%; pH 3.64; T.A. 0.58; 100% Malolactic Fermentation

Description:
This wine was produced from our winery vineyard on the western-side of Howell mountain. The vines were replanted in the 70’s and now show a high level of maturity and consistency. These qualities are further enhanced by the western facing location. We use the most modern fermentation concept of horizontal rotary fermenters to extract all the positive components and manage tannin extraction.

Winemaker’s comments:
This vintage was close to our normal harvest dates. Our mountain-side vineyards are always 2 – 3 weeks ahead of the Valley floor because of their excellent drainage which moves the entire growing season ahead. The wine shows the complexity of the five-varietal blend. The vintage of 2003 was marked by a very warm harvest. This means the fruit from our vineyard, which normally has a spicy personality, is more towards the bright fruit character. The flavors are concentrated and the finish has a lingering effect. All the aromas are in balance with the wine’s 100% French oak barrel aging influence.

Purchase 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley