A blend of three plots from To Kalon Vineyard. This includes the plot along Walnut Street in the center of To Kalon, which was purchased by Howard Club in 1881 from George Yount's wife Eliza. Currently, this plot is planted with Cabernet Franc, which is rare among To Kalon and said to be the best in Napa Valley. Fermentation and maceration took place for about 30 days, and the wine was aged for about two years in French barrels (100% new barrels). The gorgeous floral aroma characteristic of Cabernet Franc, the elements of black berries and Asian spices are layered on top of each other, the strength of the firm tannins tightens the whole, and the Cabernet Sauvignon adds depth.
Vintage Information
In 2018, there was a cold winter and plenty of rain, which delayed bud break and flowering a little, but the summer was warm and free of heat waves, making it a perfect year for the grapes to ripen slowly and carefully. Harvested on a cool night in late October. The grapes are perfectly ripe and retain their delicate acidity.
Tasting Comments - Andy Erickson
The Cabernet Franc I love has a gorgeous floral aroma, black berry and Asian spice elements layered on top of each other, and the firm tannins tighten the whole. The Cabernet Sauvignon that is blended with it was specially selected from multiple plots to add depth and softness.
Production volume: Only 325 cases
Field Information
George Yount had two wives, both called Eliza. First one and then another. Next door, HW Crabb, his friend and rival, made wines from George's vines.
It says on the label.
"George Yount (who founded the town of Yountville in the early 19th century and cultivated the first vineyards in Napa Valley) had two wives, both of whom were named Eliza. Hamilton Club (founder of To Kalon), whose vineyard was next door, was George Yount's ally and a rival in winemaking. Hamilton Club also bought grapes from George Yount's vineyard and made wine from them."
The field was located along Walnut Drive, just west of Oakville's main road, Route 29, and at the time it had a quiet atmosphere.
(The area north of this road is now owned by Beckstoffer.)
After George Yount's death, his wife Eliza Yount inherited the vineyard, and in 1881 the Hamilton Club purchased it from her for US$12,000 (approximately 1.3 million yen).
Although it was a considerable amount of money at the time, this is now a very valuable plot in the heart of To Kalon Vineyard, and looking back, it was an extremely valuable purchase that cannot be measured in money.
Currently, this plot is one of the few in To Kalon that is planted with "Napa Valley's finest Cabernet Franc."
To Kalon Vineyard Company named this wine "Eliza's Cuvee" in honor of Yount's two wives, Eliza.
Three plots will be used in 2018. The vines are about 20 years old.
Vintage: 2018
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Cabernet Franc
Blend Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Nested AVA, Other: Oakville
Vineyard: To Kalon Vineyard (own vineyard)
Note: Limited quantity available
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Winemaking: Strict selection, fermentation and maceration: about 30 days
Aging: 20 months in French barrels (100% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 86003276017