2013 Greer Cabernet Sauvignon

Greer is the epitome of a boutique winery. It is a two-acre vineyard in the heart of the Rutherford Bench, wedged between such prestigious estates as Phelps and Staglin. Greer vineyard’s owner is Rob Greer and the winemaker is his friend Aaron Pott. The debut vintage of the Greer 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was the 2007. The unusual label is the reproduction of a drawing done by J. Owen Greer, great-great-grandfather of Rob Greer. The drawing of a leaping lion was an advertisement for drawing classes given by Rob Greer’s ancestor. The wine is made in very limited quantities and is usually available by mailing list only.

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.