Pick Dates: September 21 to 29, 2003
Vineyards: Cafaro Family Vineyard (100%)
Oak Barrels: 95% French and 5% American (50% New)
Time in Barrels: 20 Months
Varietal Composition: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
Bottle Date: August 2005
Cases Produced: 510 Cases

Tasting Notes:

2003 is the year that our estate hillside vineyard came into full bloom of varietal aromas and flavors. At seven years old, the Cafaro Family Vineyard is now showing the intensity and layered flavors that make great Napa Valley reds. With the complete control of leaf canopy, crop load, watering, and harvesting I have almost the ideal mixture of tools to make wines of uncompromising fiancé and natural balance.

The 2003 vintage was influenced by the usual unusual growing season that included spring heat that resulted in a slightly earlier bloom but also had an ideal August, with Napa’s signature hot days and cool nights rendering an outstanding harvest of ripe, flavorful grapes. There was also a cool period in September that stopped harvest for a week.

The 2003 Cafaro Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is made in the house style, seeking to marry complexity with balance to produce a wine that is rich, lush and concentrated – and, most importantly, pairs well with food. An extra year of bottle aging insures that this wine is ready to drink and enjoy now, or it can certainly be cellared and enjoyed at a later date.

Download Tasting Notes (PDF)