2011 Burgess Cabernet Sauvignonproduct-pdf - Napa Valley *100% Estate-Grown - Howell Mountain Hillside | 94pt Cellar Worthy Why We're Drinking It Born on the slopes of Howell Mountain, this is 100% estate-grown Napa Cabernet for drinking now and regularly—from an established and much-loved producer. Definitely this item falls into the no-brainer camp, with classic mountain-grown Cabernet written all over it and offered at an exceptional Members-only price.

Our Sourcing Panel is always scouring the Valley looking for Cabernet from mountain vineyards. They’ve got their work cut out for them, as only about 5% of all Napa wines are made with real hillside fruit. Well, this is one of them!

Telltale mountain characters of fresh black currant, cinnamon spice and scintillating Vanilla Coke aromas lead to a palate of the purest red cherry and bright blackberry juice with a brambly, fresh body and a refreshingly subtle influence of toasty oak. Sure, the 2011 vintage was a challenging one for winemakers in Napa. Burgess sailed through the difficulties, producing a wine that is sure to please at the table or as a red-wine sipper over the next 5 to 10 years.

Reasons why we love it:

Two estate vineyards were sourced for the making of this Cabernet, both mountain sites on the slopes of Howell Mountain. Burgess’s Haymaker Vineyard faces east with slopes averaging about 25%. The soil here is well draining, and grapes have no trouble reaching their optimum maturity even in difficult vintages. Ranch Vineyard faces west, with an average slope of 22%. The soil at this unique site is known as “tuff” and consists of compressed volcanic ash. Perfect for elegant, bright Cabernet!

The Burgess story is one that dates back to the ‘70s, when Tom Burgess arrived in Napa (at a time when there were only two dozen wineries in operation). After purchasing a small mountainside winery, Tom brought Burgess Cellars into being. Still a winery that makes terroir a star by following the belief that the must match the vineyard's soil composition and micro climate, Tom Burgess and winemaker Bill Sorenson use their decades of experience to impress the world with mouthwatering wines.

Burgess adds a smidge of to this otherwise completely cépage, which adds a dark, inky element to the wine. Petit Verdot is the least recognized Bordeaux , but in its homeland it is essential as a late-ripening, highly tannic and deeply colored red grape.

Tasting Notes The Burgess Cellars' hillside vineyards are on the steep slopes of Howell VARIETAL Mountain. The various exposures result in grapes that complement one Cabernet Sauvignon another and build a complex, delicious wine. Soils range from volcanic ash APPELLATION to rocky marine sediments, this, combined with mature vines and skilled Napa Valley wine making give us a complex and elegant wine. The wine shows off ALCOHOL dense Cabernet Sauvignon character accented with vanilla, balancing 13.90 spices and toasty oak from traditional barrel aging. SIZE 750ml PH 4.0000 TA 0.6100 BLEND 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot

The Story to Know Tom Burgess arrived in the Napa Valley in 1972 when the landscape was vastly different. At that time there were only about two dozen wineries in operation. Napa was by no means the center of it is today. Tom sensed a great potential in the wild and rural land and chose it to pursue his dream of opening a family winery. He was a pioneer because prohibition (1920-1933) had destroyed the Napa wine business and America’s food and wine culture. Tom bought a small mountain-side winery which had been homesteaded in the 1870’s. With many trips to the hardware store and much labor of love the family transformed it into Burgess Cellars. Since 1972 the Burgess Family has worked to realize their vision – to create the very best estate grown grapes and produce unique handcrafted wines that are true complements to the food and wine concept that Tom fell in love with in the 60’s while in Europe.

The French concept of terroir is at the heart of Burgess Cellars’ winemaking process. Tom Burgess and longtime winemaker Bill Sorenson follow the belief that in order to produce quality wine, the varietals planted must match the vineyard’s soil composition, sun and wind exposure, and overall micro-climate.

Burgess Cellars produces wines out of three distinct vineyard sites. Our flagship wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon, thrives on the western slopes of Howell Mountain at the winery location. On the valley floor, in the Oak Knoll District, sits Triere® Vineyard, which produces our award-winning Merlot. Our comes out of the vineyard which is located on the eastern side of Howell Mountain off Ink Grade Road. Currently, we grow eight varieties at our three vineyards with the best site-specific methods. We have consistency and are able to maintain style every year because of this dedicated concept of only growing our grape varietals where they grow best.

The Winemaker:

Bill Sorenson got into winemaking way before it was the thing-to-do; Bill has been the Burgess Cellars winemaker since 1972. Originally from the Midwest, Sorenson became interested in the science behind wine while he was a student at Fresno State University. Shortly after earning his degree in Oenology, Bill met Tom Burgess and together they renovated the Burgess Cellars winery facility and eventually replanted the vineyards. Bill applies the concept of terroir, matching each varietal to the surrounding conditions of the sun and soil. His commitment to integrity is one of the reasons Burgess wines have such consistent quality and age-able wines.

Perfect Pairings This Killer Cab is best suited next to red meats, try it alongside lamb, beef, or turkey burgers.

Ratings 94 Insider Points Pedigree: 2010 Vintage- 92 Points Wine Enthusiast

Reviews Burgess has been making wine on Howell Mountain for a long time and they’re making some of the more classic Cabernet in Napa, showing off the fresh fruit and bright acidity of the the old school style. Wild cherry, cassis and bramble berry mix on the nose, with hints of vanilla, baking spice and sweet tobacco blending on the palate. The wine has a wonderful dry texture, firm structure and smooth tannin on the finish. Enjoy now through 2022. - DZ Oct 2015