Martha's Vineyard 2018

Located in Napa Valley, California, Martha's Vineyard is nestled in the heart of the Oakville district, one of the most renowned areas for Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted on well-drained alluvial soils, bordered by hills and refreshed by breezes from San Pablo Bay, this vineyard benefits from a moderate microclimate that promotes slow and steady grape ripening. Surrounded by old vines and historic estates, it embodies an iconic Napa Valley terroir.

Grapes from Martha's Vineyard are harvested at perfect ripeness, then carefully sorted before fermentation in stainless steel tanks, aiming to preserve the purity of the fruit and aromatic finesse. Maceration is conducted to elegantly extract tannins and color. The wine is then aged extensively in oak barrels, mostly French, to develop complexity, silky texture, and structure, while respecting the unique character of this historic Napa Valley vineyard.

This wine reveals notes of ripe blackcurrant, black cherry, and plum, complemented by mentholated and eucalyptus leaf touches, as well as delicate floral nuances. Accents of cedar, sweet tobacco, and sweet spices blend with a slight graphite character. The palate presents a silky texture, fresh acidity, fine yet structured tannins, and a long, persistent finish.

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.