Cain Five (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Cain Five offers a captivating bouquet of cassis, dried red fruits, cedar, rich soil, and mountain laurel. On the palate, it presents vibrant and intense flavors with a classical structure, showcasing plenty of fruit and fine tannins at its core. This wine has aged beautifully over the decades, reflecting the unique terroir of the Spring Mountain District. The blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot contributes to its complexity and depth. A testament to the craftsmanship of Cain Vineyard & Winery, this vintage continues to impress with its balance and elegance.

About the grape

In 1980, Jerry and Joyce Cain purchased 550 acres on Spring Mountain in Napa Valley, aiming to cultivate a vineyard dedicated to the five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. By 1985, they produced their first vintage of Cain Five, blending these varietals to create a wine that reflects the unique terroir of their mountain vineyard. The 1986 Cain Five continued this tradition, showcasing the distinct characteristics of each grape variety grown in their estate vineyard. Notably, the vineyard's high elevation and diverse exposures contribute to the complexity and balance of these varietals in the blend.

Quick facts

• 🍇 The 1986 Cain Five was among the early vintages of this flagship wine, showcasing the winery's commitment to blending all five classic Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
• 🏞️ Cain Vineyard & Winery is situated at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 feet on Spring Mountain, offering panoramic views of Napa Valley and contributing to the unique terroir of their wines.
• 🍷 The 1986 vintage of Cain Five has been praised for its vibrant and intense palate, with notes of cassis, dried red fruits, cedar, and rich soil, reflecting its mountain vineyard origins.
• ⏳ Cain Five is known for its aging potential, with the 1986 vintage demonstrating how well these wines can develop over decades, offering complexity and depth with time.
• 🛠️ The winery's commitment to traditional winemaking techniques, such as native-yeast fermentation and manual pressing, allows the unique characteristics of each vintage, like the 1986 Cain Five, to shine through.

Palate profile

Producer

Cain Vineyard & Winery, established in 1980 by Jerry and Joyce Cain, is situated in the Spring Mountain District of Napa Valley, California. The Cains envisioned a mountain vineyard dedicated to the classical Bordeaux blend, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. In 1991, Jim and Nancy Meadlock assumed sole ownership, continuing the commitment to producing distinctive wines. The estate spans approximately 500 acres, with vineyards ranging from 1,400 to 2,100 feet in elevation, offering diverse microclimates and soil types that contribute to the unique character of their wines. Notably, the 2020 Glass Fire severely impacted the property, destroying structures and many vines; however, the winery has been actively replanting and rebuilding, demonstrating resilience and dedication to their craft.