2013 Meyer Family Cellars Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon

Meyer Family Cellars’ provenance is directly connected to some of California’s most legendary winemaking. The Yorkville, family-owned estate is operated by the husband-and-wife team of Matt and Karen Meyer. Matt’s parents are Bonny Meyer, who remains an active partner in the estate, and the late Justin Meyer, a legendary figure who with Bonny and business partner Ray Duncan founded Silver Oak Cellars in 1972. Justin, who trained as a winemaker when he was a Christian Brothers monk before later earning a viticulture degree, was the Silver Oaks winemaker and his Cabernet Sauvignons were famous and highly coveted. The Meyer family sold their interest in Silver Oak in 2001 to concentrate on Meyer Family Cellars. Today Matt and Karen, who both earned university degrees in enology, share winemaking duties. The estate primarily produces Syrah from the Yorkville Highlands appellation, Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville, and Port made with grapes sourced from Lodi and Mendocino. Chardonnay, Rosé and Petite Sirah are also produced.

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.