2017 Conn Creek AVA Series Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon

Conn Creek in St. Helena, Napa Valley, was founded in 1973 by Bill and Kathy Collins, who had been amateur winemakers and enthusiasts making wine in their home. But after purchasing 54 acres of vineyards in northern Napa Valley the couple embarked on producing Cabernet Sauvignon under the Conn Creek label. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane, the wine and spirits conglomerate owned by Altria, previously known as the Philip Morris Companies Inc. Today the estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Anthology, its flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

Rutherford AVA is just north of the Oakville AVA in the heart of Napa Valley, and it is equally distinguished. It is home to Beaulieu Vineyard and inglenook, arguably Napa Valley’s most historically influential wineries. Inglenook started making in wine in the late 19th century, and Beaulieu Vineyards was producing by the first years of the 20th century. BV founder Georges de Latour is particularly esteemed for having recruited Andre Tchelistcheff, a renowned research oenologist, to move from France to Napa Valley in 1938 and run BV’s winemaking. The legendary Tchelistcheff brought European winemaking techniques to Napa Valley and vastly improved wine quality. Other Rutherford winemakers followed his lead. Today there are 5,000 vineyard acres in Rutherford and many acclaimed producers. The famous Silverado Trail with its exclusive, limited production wineries, runs partly through Rutherford AVA. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignons are characterized by supple tannins, richness, notes of cherry and plum, depth and the ability to age for several decades. Besides Cabernet Sauvignon the AVA also grows Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. It received its AVA designation in 1994.

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.