Harvest Activity in the Napa Valley

Harvest Activity in the Napa Valley – Cab is left It is the first day of Fall in Napa Valley wine country. The over 100-degree weather on the Labor Day Weekend hastened the harvest of many vineyards. Despite the intense heat, there are plenty of grapes still to be harvested in the Napa Valley. Since those hot days, … Read more

Petit Verdot with Cabernet Sauvignon

Petit Verdot

A touch of Petit Verdot with Cabernet Sauvignon For our Wine Country Photo of the Day, I chose this vineyard shot of a row of Petit Verdot next to a row of Cabernet Sauvignon. Petit Verdot is one of the five Bordeaux varieties, along with Cab Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The vineyard belongs … Read more

Early Cabernet Sauvignon

early cabernet sauvignon

Early Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley This is a great look at the early Cabernet Sauvignon. In this growing stage the grape clusters are full and very green. During the latter parts of July these grape vines will undergo veraison. Veraison is the onset of ripening. The grapes will slowly change from the green … Read more

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bud Break 2016

bud break 2016

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Bud Break 2016 Drive along Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga and you can witness the dawn of a new cycle in the life of the vines. Cabernet Sauvignon is in the midst of bud break. Most of the vines have been pruned and dressed for this … Read more

What’s your style of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Cabernet Sauvignon and Hang Time As you can easily see from this photo (August 26, 2015), these Cabernet Sauvignon clusters are hanging on the vine. When they should be picked is the question for vintners that is so important and affects the style of Cabernet Sauvignon. A restrained, food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon will be picked earlier … Read more

Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon on a rainy morning

harvest cabernet

Harvesting Cabernet Sauvignon on a rainy morning On this September morning a light rain fell throughout the Napa Valley. It did not stop the harvest of this Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard near York Lane in St. Helena. A crew of ten workers roamed the rows of vineyards working swiftly and efficiently. I spoke with the crew … Read more

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in September

Cabernet september napa

About Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in September I have shot this grape cluster from the same vineyard at the beginning of June, mid July, August, and now September. Will it still be hanging in October? Hang time is an important factor especially in the big, brawny Cabernet Sauvignon wines that Robert Parker seems to like … Read more

Napa Valley Cabernet in June

napa valley cab

Napa Valley Cabernet in June This photo of Napa Valley Cabernet was taken on June 11, 2014, in the St. Helena AVA. The photo shows the current development of Cabernet Sauvignon on the Valley floor. The leaves and berries look very healthy and Napa Valley Cabernet appears to be in line for a great harvest … Read more

Napa Valley Cabernet Under Attack

Three factors to ponder for the makers of fine Napa Valley Cabernet: First, the criticism by many wine critics on the high alcoholic content of Cabernet Sauvignon. This ball has been rolling along for a couple of years but it seems to have been gaining steam in recent weeks. The latest comes from wine writer Dan Berger’s “The Collapse of Cabernet,” his article appearing in the St. Helena Star last week. James Laube also addresses the issue in the latest Wine Spectator. Next, is the economy, still? All signs once again are pointing to a dismal year for wines priced above $20 and most Napa Valley Cabernets are well above that price point. The third factor and one I don’t think has been mentioned much is how the American diet is beginning to change. The American diet, especially among the fine-wine drinking crowd is shifting. What is in are soups, salads, fish, more grains, more vegetables and fruits. What’s out are eating lots of red meat, creamy sauces, etc. Not altogether out, but the creed is to cut down. Healthy meals are more easily paired with white wines, rosés, and lighter reds such as Pinot Noir. If this trend is true, will that translate into less Cabernet sales?

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