Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (1987)

About this wine

The 1987 Cuvaison Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers a harmonious blend of ripe cherry and berry flavors, accented by subtle notes of cedar and spice. As the wine opens up, a trace of chocolate emerges on the finish, adding depth and complexity. This vintage was noted for its balance and proportion, with layers of rich, intense fruit flavors and a pleasant lingering finish. The 1987 growing season in Napa Valley was marked by a prolonged drought, resulting in smaller berries and clusters that concentrated the flavors, leading to wines with excellent depth and aging potential. This wine exemplifies the quality and character of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons from that exceptional vintage.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape that emerged in 17th-century France from a natural cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, is renowned for its thick skins and robust tannins, making it ideal for aging. In Napa Valley, this varietal gained prominence in the late 19th century, notably when Inglenook's 1889 Cabernet Sauvignon won a Gold Medal at the Paris World Fair, showcasing the region's potential. Cuvaison Winery, established in 1969, began producing Cabernet Sauvignon in 1971, contributing to Napa's growing reputation for high-quality wines. The 1987 vintage reflects the culmination of these efforts, highlighting the adaptability and excellence of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa's unique terroir.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1987 Cuvaison Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley received a 90-point rating from Wine Spectator, highlighting its balance of ripe cherry, berry notes, cedar, and spice, with a lingering chocolate finish.
• 🏰 Cuvaison Winery, established in 1969, is renowned for producing wines that exhibit ripe, focused fruit flavors with fine balance and finesse.
• 🌄 Napa Valley, where this wine originates, is one of the world's premier wine regions, known for its diverse microclimates and soil types that contribute to the unique characteristics of its wines.
• 🍇 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape varietal used in this wine, is celebrated for its full-bodied profile, high tannins, and great aging potential, making it a favorite among wine enthusiasts.
• ☀️ The 1987 vintage in Napa Valley was marked by favorable weather conditions, leading to wines with excellent structure and aging capability.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in 1969, Cuvaison is a pioneering winery that has significantly influenced Napa Valley's modern winemaking era. In 1979, the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland acquired the winery and established a 400-acre estate in the Los Carneros region, now known as Tai Vineyard, renowned for its cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The estate's unique marine-influenced microclimate and diverse soils have made it a benchmark for cool-climate viticulture. Over the years, Cuvaison has embraced sustainable practices, earning certifications such as Napa Green Winery and Fish Friendly Farming. In 2012, Wine & Spirits recognized Cuvaison as one of the 'Top 100 Wineries in the World.'