Library Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (1981)

About this wine

This 1981 Trefethen Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley presents a deep garnet color, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and a hint of tobacco, reflecting its maturity. The palate reveals flavors of dried black fruits, leather, and earthy undertones, complemented by softened tannins and balanced acidity. This wine hails from Trefethen's historic estate, known for its 19th-century gravity-flow winery, a testament to Napa Valley's rich winemaking heritage. The 1981 vintage, characterized by a hot summer leading to early harvest, contributes to the wine's concentrated flavors and enduring structure.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its deep color, robust tannins, and aging potential. In the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, where Trefethen Family Vineyards is located, the cooler climate allows for a longer growing season, enabling the grapes to develop complex flavors while retaining balanced acidity. Trefethen's commitment to estate-grown wines means they cultivate their own Cabernet Sauvignon vines, ensuring meticulous control over grape quality. Notably, their 1976 Chardonnay was acclaimed as the 'Best Chardonnay in the World' at the 1979 Gault Millau Wine Olympics in Paris, highlighting the winery's dedication to excellence across varietals.

Quick facts

• 🍇 Trefethen Family Vineyards, established in 1968, is renowned for its estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, including the 1981 vintage from the Oak Knoll District.
• 🌄 The 1981 Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Oak Knoll District, an area known for its diverse microclimates and soil types, contributing to the wine's unique character.
• ☀️ The 1981 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by a hot summer, leading to a rapid growing season and reduced yields, which often results in more concentrated flavors in the wine.
• 🏛️ Trefethen's historic winery building, constructed in 1886, is the only surviving 19th-century wooden, gravity-flow winery in Napa Valley, adding historical significance to their wines.
• 🍷 Cabernet Sauvignon, the primary grape in this wine, is known for its deep color, full body, and high tannin content, contributing to its excellent aging potential.

Palate profile

Producer

Trefethen Family Vineyards, located in Napa Valley, California, was established in 1968 by Eugene and Catherine Trefethen. They restored the historic Eshcol Winery, originally built in 1886 by Hamden McIntyre, a Scottish sea captain and architect. In 1979, their 1976 Chardonnay was awarded "Best Chardonnay in the World" at the Gault Millau World Wine Olympics in Paris, bringing international acclaim to the winery. Today, the third generation of the Trefethen family continues to produce estate-grown wines, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and preserving the winery's rich heritage.