2021 Freemark Abbey Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Freemark Abbey, in St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, was founded in 1886 by Josephine Tychson, one of the region’s first women winemakers. But the winery’s modern history started in 1939 when the three people who then owned the winery combined their last names to make up “Freemark Abbey.” The site has never had anything to do with a religious order. In 1967 the winery was purchased by seven business partners who made major innovations. Today the winery owns nearly 300 acres of vineyards and also sources grapes from some of the areas most acclaimed districts including the Rutherford Bench, Mount Veeder and Howell Mountain. Freemark Abbey is known for its Cabernet Sauvignons, though it also makes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah and late harvest Riesling. Noted California wine writer James Laube has written that the estate makes wines of “finesse and polish.”

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.