2010 Entre Nous Cabernet Sauvignon, 3-bottle Lot, Cardboard Case

Entre Nous in Oakville is an artisanal winery producing limited amounts of wine made by Philippe Melka, one of Napa Valley’s winemaking stars. Proprietor Kristine Ashe grew up north of San Francisco and in 2000 she purchased 26 acres of vineyards, which she turned over to vineyard manager David Abreu, also a Napa legend. The general manager for the estate is Ashe’s brother-in-law Joe Filippini, and Ashe thinks of the winemaking venture as a family project, one reason she called her estate Entre Nous, or “between us.” The estate is organically farmed, and makes just three wines from estate fruit: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Rosé. All three are available primarily through the estate’s mailing list. For the first few years the wines were marketed under Kristine Ashe’s name. Like some other relatively new, limited-production Napa ventures dedicated to making a few luxury cuvees under the guidance of star consulting winemakers, Entre Nous is considered part of the new generation “cult” producers. Reviewers have given the wines scores in mid 90s.

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.