B Side

Select a varietal... Cabernet Sauvignon

2005 Cabernet Sauvignon

The inaugural release of B Side Cabernet Sauvignon features grapes from vineyards on the flip-side of Napa Valley. These vineyards are nestled in rural areas or rolling hills, just a few miles from of the high-priced glamour wineries featured along Highway 29.

The eastern side of Napa Valley includes areas such as Pope Valley, Chiles Valley, Wooden Valley, Stags Leap District and lower Calistoga. Vines in these areas, are grown in thin, volcanic soils, which yield smaller, more concentrated fruit, producing Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignons with classic berry and cassis flavors.

Wooden Valley is a lesser-known area of Napa Valley, but has recently caught the attention of critics. Located east of the town of Napa, this small, round little valley is only about 2 miles wide, but has a history of grape growing since the early 20th century. While Calistoga is know for its pampering spas, before reaching this luxurious little town, there is a stretch of rural, rustic land. A large portion of our grapes, come from this lower area of Calistoga. These vineyards have been farmed by the same family for 60 years.

For the 2005 vintage, these growing areas benefited from outstanding harvest conditions. According to the Napa Valley Vintner's, "Warm, nearly perfect conditions arrived with an Indian Summer making for a later than average harvest, providing winemakers with fruit with extended hang and ultimately realizing excellent sugar development and balanced acids..."

This dark brick red colored wine has classic Bordeaux aromas of currant and ripe plum with pencil lead and earthy, clay notes followed by scents of new leather and black olives. The palate is very supple with a core of cassis and black cherry fruit, layered with hints of wild strawberry and yellow plum. The finish is silky with refined French oak flavors intermingled with vanilla and subtle oak char.

This wine is the quintessential pairing with braised short ribs with horseradish and parsnip mashed potatoes. Try it with Miso glazed black cod over steamed rice with spring onion dim sum, or arugula salad with fresh strawberries, goat cheese and black pepper.