Cabernet Sauvignon (2009)

About this wine

The 2009 Clark-Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley offers a deep ruby color and a bouquet of blackberry, cassis, and subtle oak. On the palate, it presents rich flavors of black cherry and plum, complemented by hints of mocha and spice. The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, providing a balanced structure. This wine reflects the unique terroir of the Howell Mountain area, known for producing concentrated and elegant Cabernets. Aged in French oak barrels, it has developed complexity and depth over time.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, was introduced to Napa Valley in the late 1800s. Its thick skins and resistance to various viticultural hazards made it well-suited to the region's diverse climates and soils. The grape gained prominence after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons outperformed esteemed French wines, elevating the valley's reputation. Clark-Claudon Vineyards, established in 1989, cultivates Cabernet Sauvignon on their 17-acre estate, employing sustainable practices like using bird boxes to control pests naturally.

Quick facts

• 🌍 Clark-Claudon Vineyards was founded in 1993 by Tom Clark and Laurie Claudon, who began their Napa Valley journey in 1974 after serving in the Peace Corps in Colombia.
• 🏞️ The 2009 Clark-Claudon Cabernet Sauvignon is crafted from grapes grown on their 17-acre estate vineyard, situated between 800 and 1,200 feet elevation on the northeast side of Howell Mountain.
• 🍷 This vintage is known for its deep ruby color and complex flavors, including dark cherry, plum, blackberry, and subtle notes of forest floor.
• 🌱 Clark-Claudon emphasizes sustainable viticulture, utilizing practices like expert water and canopy management, and attracting natural predators through bird boxes to maintain ecological balance.
• 🏆 The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon received a 90-point rating from The Wine Advocate, highlighting its plums, menthol, and spice notes, with sweet, silky tannins framing an attractive, floral-infused finish.

Palate profile

Producer

Clark-Claudon Vineyards was established in 1989 by Tom Clark and Laurie Claudon, who, after serving in the Peace Corps in Colombia, moved to Napa Valley in 1974 with their young son. Initially focusing on vineyard development, they founded Clark Vineyard Management in 1978, working with notable clients like Spottswoode and St. Supéry. Their dream of owning a vineyard materialized when they acquired a 117-acre property on Howell Mountain, planting 17 acres with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Committed to sustainability, they preserved the remaining land's natural state and introduced the 'Cabernet for Care' program in 2008, offering discounted wines to support charitable causes.