2006 Chateau Boswell Tapestry Cabernet Sauvignon

Chateau Boswell on the Silverado Trail was established in 1979, which the vintage of the estate’s debut release. Susan and Thornton Boswell founded the winery with consulting from the legendary Andre Tschelistcheff. Today the estate is often under the radar of the general wine buying public, and it has only a few acres under vine. Much of the fruit used for production is sourced from premium vineyards in the region. Chateau Boswell makes extremely limited amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Luc Morlet was making the wine until he left in 2012. More recent vintages have been crafted by Russell Bevan. Reviewers are generally complimentary.

Oakville AVA is one of the two or three most prestigious appellations in the United States. Located in the heart of Napa Valley, its 5,000 vineyard acres produce some of the world’s most acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, including such California “cult” Cabs as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate. Before those boutique producers rose to fame in the 1990s, Oakville was already renowned as home to Robert Mondavi, Opus One and Groth Vineyards, among others. Along with the famous wineries, there are premier vineyards in this AVA, including Martha’s Vineyard and To Kalon Vineyard. To Kalon was first planted in 1868 by H.W. Crabb, one of California’s first viticultural researchers, and he named the vineyard after the ancient Greek phrase for “most beautiful.” Though many grapes can be successfully grown in Oakville, Cabernet Sauvignon is king. Merlot and Chardonnay are also frequently planted. Oakville Cabs are prized for their richness, complexity and weight. Oakville was designated as an AVA in 1993.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.