2015 Piña Cellars Wolff Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Piña Cellars’ first commercial release was a 1979 Chardonnay. But the Piña family has roots in northern California that go back to the mid-19th century. With many generations of experience in winemaking and vineyard management behind him, John Piña started a vineyard management company in 1960s. His sons Davie, Ranndy, and Larry, still run the firm. A fourth brother, John, was also a partner in the winemaking and vineyard management business until his death in 2017. Today their winery on the Silverado Trail makes small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and very limited amounts of Chardonnay.

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.