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2006 Cabernet Sauvignon
- 75% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 25% Syrah
- 14.1% Alcohol
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- 0.6 TA / 3.75 pH
- 6,000 cases produced
- Release Date: September 1 2008
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TASTE PROFILE, The Fusion of Cabernet + Syrah, Creating one Strong Union: Inspiration for FUSE comes from the great Chateaus of 19th century Bordeaux which incorporated
syrah into their blends. This Napa Valley cabernet + syrah blend fuses the rich, dense and
velvety cabernet with the rustic, masculine and elegant syrah creating a wine with a soft, round
and exotic finish. FUSE is a new world twist on an old word cabernet blending tradition with
a distinct flavor profile. This fusion of flavors produces a wine more approachable at a younger
age with an elegant round mouthfeel that will develop complexity as it matures.
The nose combines the sweetness of raspberry and violet with the spiciness of pepper, clove
and tobacco, while in the palate the lush currant and plum fruit flavors balance with vanilla,
cedar and nutmeg that integrates oak and tannin.
2006 HARVEST BUZZ: OAn excellent vintage…After a year that kept grape growers on their toes, vintners and winemakers
breathed a sigh of relief as the 2006 harvest closed. Flooding kicked off the New Year in
Napa Valley, which made for great TV footage, but did little damage to the dormant vines, as
cover crops stabilized soils in the vineyards. In mid July, a record-setting heat wave lasted about
ten days, but with the crop a few weeks behind, damage was almost nil. This helped to stress the
vines a little more, which only helped to produce better fruit flavors. The overall quality of 2006
looks outstanding and should contribute to another great Napa Valley vintage.
WINEMAKING NOTES: The FUSE winemaking program shows off the beauty of this unique blend bringing together
two old world grape varietals in a modern style. Techniques for maximum flavor extraction for
both varietals include cold soaking, extended maceration (25-35 days) and frequent pumping
over the grape must. This is done to create a heightened sensory experience from this fusion
of cabernet + syrah producing a fine balance of fruit and tannins. Prior to bottling, the Cabernet
Sauvignon and Syrah are aged separately in both French and American oak barrels for sixteen
months. The barrels are racked a total of three times over the sixteen month period. The medium
plus toasted barrels are a combination of French and American oak, selected especially for this blend.
VINEYARD NOTES: Small, artisanal growers with a diverse variety of cooler climate hillside vineyards and warmer
valley floor vineyards are selected to create this modern exciting union.
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