2008 Liparita Cellars Yountville V Block Cabernet Sauvignon

Liparita was established in Napa Valley in the late 19th century when William Keyes, a geologist and wine lover, bought land in Napa that reminded him of the volcanic soil of the Lipari Islands near Sicily. Keyes made wine from Howell Mountain vineyards in the early 20th century but the estate closed during Prohibition, reopening in 1987 when it was purchased by San Francisco entrepreneur. In 2006 Spencer Hoopes, a wine collector and entrepreneur, purchased the estate. Today the estate sources grapes from several Napa Valley appellations and makes Cabernet Sauvignon.

Yountville AVA is just west of Stags Leap and north of Oak Knoll. It is centered around the town of Yountville, named for George Yountville, who planted the area’s first vineyard in 1836. The district received appellation status in 1999 and it includes 4,000 vineyard acres. It is known for tannic Cabernet Sauvignon that has a reputation for aging well. Dominus Estate, formerly Napanook Vineyard, is one of the most prestigious producers in Yountville, and in all of Napa Valley.

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.