At the table with Trailside Vineyard 2018
Grilled rib of beef, herb-roasted lamb, duck breast with red berry sauce, porcini mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses.
Our wines for
Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Trailside Vineyard 2018Heitz Cellar
Trailside Vineyard is a winery located in Napa Valley, on the eastern side of the Rutherford commune, in the heart of the Napa Valley AVA in California. Owned by Heitz Cellar, it benefits from a Mediterranean climate tempered by the breeze from San Pablo Bay and a gentle slope exposure. The gravelly, well-drained alluvial soils, typical of Rutherford, promote slow and regular grape ripening, resulting in structured, balanced Cabernet Sauvignons with a strong sense of terroir.
Made from hand-harvested grapes from the Trailside Vineyard in Rutherford, this Cabernet Sauvignon is traditionally vinified, with fermentation in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit and the tannic structure. After devatting, the wine is aged for a long period in oak barrels, mostly American, following the classic style of the house, to develop complex aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, and sweet spices while retaining the freshness and elegance characteristic of the estate.
This wine reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral touches of violet and dried rose. Spicy nuances of sweet pepper and garrigue mingle with subtle woody notes of cedar, blond tobacco, and vanilla. The palate offers a silky texture, fresh acidity, fine yet firm tannins, and a long and saline finish that highlights the elegance of Rutherford Cabernet.
Where are we traveling?
Napa ValleyUnited States
It is located an hour's drive north of San Francisco, nestled between the Vaca Mountains to the east and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west, forming a narrow valley barely 50 kilometers long. The vineyard stretches from the cool, foggy south near the San Pablo Bay marshes, through the legendary towns of Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena, to the warm and enclosed north around the small town of Calistoga. Winemaking history began in the 1830s with George Yount, but it was the Judgment of Paris in 1976 that propelled Napa onto the world stage, when a Chardonnay from Chateau Montelena and a Cabernet Sauvignon from Stag's Leap Wine Cellars blindly outperformed the greatest French wines. The climate is Mediterranean, hot and dry in summer, tempered by morning fogs that rise from the bay and funnel into the valley, offering the grapes cool nights essential for their balance. The diversity of soils is remarkable, from the alluvial deposits of the valley floor to the volcanic rocks of the hillsides, with no fewer than sixteen distinct sub-appellations. Napa Valley has established itself as the global benchmark for Cabernet Sauvignon thanks to opulent, concentrated, and exceptionally long-lived wines, complemented by full-bodied and generous Chardonnays, silky Merlots, and a handful of Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, all attesting to the richness of a now mythical terroir.
The little history of the country
United States
In the United States, 90% of the wine produced comes from California. It was the influx of gold prospectors to California that revitalized the Californian wine industry in the mid-19th century, particularly in the Sonoma and Napa regions. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were 800 wineries. From 1919 to 1933, Prohibition decimated the vast majority of the Californian wine industry, so that by 1933, only 140 wineries remained. It wasn't until 1960 that the wine industry began to recover from Prohibition, and California was primarily known for producing fortified wines (in the style of Port). It was also in the 1960s that some of the most famous wineries were established (Mondavi, Heitz Wine Cellars, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, etc.). In 1976, a landmark event took place: the legendary tasting competition better known as the "Judgment of Paris." It pitted the greatest French wines against the new American upstarts. On May 24th, an unexpected result shook the wine world, as, to everyone's surprise, the United States emerged victorious. This competition, however, remains relatively unknown to the general public. Today, there is no doubt that the United States produces great wines. While California largely dominates the reputation of American wines with its excellent Zinfandels, the state of Oregon produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, and Washington State offers excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
All about Trailside Vineyard 2018
At what temperature should Trailside Vineyard 2018 be served?
Between 16 and 18 °C. An hour in a decanter helps it open up.
How long can Trailside Vineyard 2018 be kept?
Ageing potential: 10 years or more, until at least 2028. Store the bottle lying down, away from light, at around 12 °C.
Which grapes make up Trailside Vineyard 2018?
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Origin: California, United States. Alcohol: 14.5%.
What to serve with Trailside Vineyard 2018?
Trailside Vineyard 2018 pairs well with lamb, beef, hard cheese and vegetarian dishes. Our dish ideas are in the food pairing box at the top of the page.