2003 Martin Estate Puerta Dorada Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 12-bottle Lot, Wood Case

Martin Estate Winery dates its history to 1887, when Henry H. Harris purchased land from the historic estate of George Yount. Harris built a winery and it was in operation until Prohibition. It was at times leased to Georges de Latour, and the Harris winery was the site of the first crush sold under the Beaulieu Vineyard label. In 1996 Greg and Petra Martin purchased the 12-acre Martin Estate, which is in Rutherford. The winemaker is Aaron Pott, who was named 2012 Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine Magazine. Pott was winemaker at Chateau Troplong Mondot and Chateau La Tour before returning to Napa. The estate grows Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and a small amount of Merlot.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

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.