2023 Oakview Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville

This 2023 Oakview Cabernet Sauvignon represents Oakville terroir at its most expressive, showcasing the volcanic, gravelly soils' ability to produce wines of exceptional depth and complexity. The careful selection of Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon with Petit Verdot creates a wine that balances Oakville's characteristic power with remarkable elegance and freshness. Meticulous winemaking, from nighttime hand-harvesting to phenolic-driven fermentation management, has resulted in a wine that honors both the vineyard's exceptional potential and Grape Culture's commitment to site-driven excellence. This is a sophisticated, age-worthy Cabernet that will continue to evolve beautifully, representing the pinnacle of what Oakville can achieve.

Appearance: Deep, inky garnet with pronounced purple highlights, displaying remarkable concentration and youthful intensity. The wine exhibits excellent clarity with a dark, opaque core that hints at its power and density. Medium to full viscosity creates slow-falling, well-defined tears that cling to the glass, indicating substantial body and extract from the gravelly Oakville terroir and extended French oak aging.

Aroma: The bouquet is immediately captivating and complex, showcasing the marriage of exceptional Oakville fruit and masterful French oak integration. Primary aromas of rich blackcurrant and dark cherry dominate, supported by layers of blackberry compote and ripe plum. The 6% Petit Verdot contribution adds subtle violet and spice notes that lift the aromatics. Twenty-two months in 100% new French oak has contributed elegant vanilla, cedar, and sweet baking spices without overwhelming the fruit. Underlying mineral notes from the volcanic, gravelly soils emerge as graphite and wet stone, while hints of dark chocolate and espresso add depth. The nose is powerful yet refined, promising exceptional complexity on the palate.

Taste: The entry is immediately impressive with concentrated dark fruit flavors that showcase Oakville's renowned richness and power. Blackcurrant and dark cherry lead, followed by layers of blackberry, boysenberry, and dark plum. The Clone 4 Cabernet Sauvignon provides classic varietal character with cassis intensity, while the Petit Verdot adds structural backbone and subtle floral complexity. Mid-palate reveals the influence of volcanic soils through mineral-driven earthiness and graphite notes. French oak integration is seamless, contributing vanilla, cedar, and warm spices that enhance rather than mask the fruit. The wine maintains remarkable freshness and vibrancy despite its power, a hallmark of exceptional Oakville terroir.

Mouthfeel: The mouthfeel exemplifies Oakville Cabernet at its finest, delivering substantial weight and concentration while maintaining elegance. Silky, well-integrated tannins provide structure without aggression, a testament to careful phenolic management during fermentation and extended oak aging. The texture is full-bodied and rich, with a velvety quality that coats the palate. Moderate acidity provides backbone and ensures the wine's freshness, preventing any sense of heaviness despite the wine's impressive density and power.

Body: Full-bodied with exceptional concentration and length, this Cabernet Sauvignon displays the structural integrity expected from premium Oakville fruit. The wine is built on a foundation of ripe, silky tannins and well-balanced acidity that frames the intense fruit without overwhelming it. The 22-month French oak aging has added complexity and roundness while preserving the wine's natural vibrancy. Clone 4's contribution provides the backbone, while Petit Verdot adds structural support and aromatic lift, creating a harmonious and age-worthy wine with excellent balance between power and finesse.