2014 Textbook Selection Dumas Proprietary Red

Textbook was founded in 1999 by Jon and Susan Pey, a couple who wanted to make small batch, high quality wines under a number of labels. Jon is the winemaker and Susan is business and sales manager. Textbook grapes are sourced from premier vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Vineyards are hand-pruned, hand-picked and the grapes after harvest are hand sorted. The couple says they named the label Textbook because “after tasting it so many times in the barrel it exhibited the “textbook” characteristics one looks for in a classic Oakville red wine; brooding aromas of deep red fruits, dense texture, complex flavors, and a firm, yet balanced finish.”

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.