2005 Corte Riva Mabuhay Cabernet Sauvignon

Corté Riva 2002 Merlot 750 Winemaker's Tasting Notes: "this Merlot exhibits excellent structure and a long, rich finish. The fresh blackberry aroma adds layers of flavor to the sweet chocolate and spices. You will find that its modest tannins and its concentrated flavors make a pleasant accompaniment with pasta and beef dishes. Slowly aged for 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, this Merlot was blended with a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Switch Back Vineyards..."

St. Helena AVA is at the northern end of Napa Valley just north of Rutherford and south of Calistoga. It is a relatively warm climate thanks to the Mayacamas Mountains on its western edge, which protect it from Pacific Ocean fog. Out of the 9,000 acres in the appellation, some 1,500 are under vine. The principal grapes grown in St. Helena are the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. St. Helena is considered prime wine producing territory, and it was one of the first important wine producing regions in northern California. The legendary Charles Krug founded his winery just north of the town of St. Helena in 1873, and today the appellation is home to many prestigious producers, including Abreu, Grace Family and Spottswoode.

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.