2014 Theorem Vineyards Voir Dire Cabernet Sauvignon

Theorem Vineyards’ debut vintage was in 2012. Tucked into the hillside north of Diamond Mountain in Calistoga, Theorem was founded by the husband and wife team of Kisha and Jason Itkin. Kisha is company president and the vineyard’s name is a reference to Jason’s work as a trial lawyer. The 20 acres of vineyards are at 1,100 feet above sea level, and the estate grows primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and a little Merlot. Thomas Rivers Brown is winemaker. The wines are generally available via a mailing list.

Diamond Mountain District AVA is in the Mayacamas Mountains at the northwestern end of Napa Valley. The appellation is relatively high and the entire district is more than 400 feet above sea level. Some vineyards are as high as 2,200 feet above sea level. Because of their altitude, Diamond Mountain vineyards experience warmer days but colder nights than vineyards on the valley floor. Once volcanic soil, the terrain in the appellation has over time become less fertile, making grape growing particularly challenging. Nevertheless the district has attracted wine producers for more than a century. There are 500 vineyard acres out of a total of 5,000 acres. Among the highly regarded wineries here are Lokoya Winery, Diamond Creek Vineyards and Schramsberg Vineyards. Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are generally firmly structured, rich and quite tannic. Chardonnay is full-bodied with apple and peach aromas and firm acidity.

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.