Antica Napa Valley (Antinori)
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
| Denomination | AVA Napa Valley |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.7% by volume |
| Area | California (United States of America) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Aging | 16 months in French oak barrels |
- Alcohol content: 14.7% vol; 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon varietal from Napa Valley AVA
- Aromas: notes of blackberry, red and blackcurrant, chocolate; deep purple colour
- Vinification: separate fermentation for 10–14 days in temperature-controlled tanks
- Ageing: malolactic fermentation and 16 months in French oak barriques
- Serving and pairings: decant for 1 hour at 16–18°C; ideal with game and cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a still red wine that precisely expresses the eponymous grape variety. In the glass, it reveals an intense violet colour, unveiling a bouquet characterised by blackberry notes, red and blackcurrant, and hints of chocolate. On the palate, it offers a savoury and complex profile, supported by silky tannins that add depth to the drink. The long and persistent finish makes it ideal for pairing with game, pork, and mature cheeses.
Where it comes from
This wine originates in the Atlas Peak district, on the slopes of the Vaca Mountains, within the renowned Napa Valley. The Antica estate vineyards are situated on a plateau at around five hundred and fifty metres above sea level. Here, the vines sink their roots into volcanic and clay soils, marked by basalt outcrops. This particular geological matrix is reflected in the glass, ensuring an intense aromatic profile and a rigorous polyphenolic structure.
How it is produced
The harvest begins at the end of September; each individual plot is vinified separately to respect its characteristics. The process starts with a temperature-controlled fermentation lasting ten to fourteen days in vats. After racking, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, where it completes malolactic fermentation. The process concludes with a slow sixteen-month maturation in the same barrels, which ensures remarkable structural harmony.
History and Curiosities
Founded in 1993, the Antica estate combines the Tuscan tradition of the Antinori family with Californian winemaking excellence. On the slopes of the Vaca Mountains, in the Atlas Peak district, this prestigious limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon is born at an altitude of 550 metres. The 2019 vintage, overseen by oenologists Melissa Apter and Renzo Cotarella, has won over international critics, receiving outstanding ratings such as 94 points from James Suckling. A superb red, celebrated for its extraordinary expressiveness and profound complexity.
Awards
-
2019
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2019
92/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
-
2019
93/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
-
2019
91/100
Wine spectator is the most influential wine guide on the internet.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
16 - 18 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
1 hour
- Start up year: 1993
- Oenologist: Melissa Apter, Renzo Cotarella
The estate is located in the eastern part of the Napa Valley, on a high plateau (500-600 meters, or 1650-200 feet above sea level) in the Vaca Mountains. The landscape, with its hills, greatly recalls Tuscany, but above all represents an ideal area for viticulture. Time, in nature, runs slowly: this adventure, begun in 1993, led to a first production of wine from the zone only in the year 2001.
This limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon represents a first important step for the estate, defining its great potential. With the 2006 vintage, "Antica" Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and, now to accompany it, "Antica" Napa Valley Chardonnay, were produced, wines in whose DNA, perfectly and harmoniously entwined, the styles both of Tuscany and of California can be found. Antica is the realization of a dream and, at the same time, a milestone in the production of great wine with the Antinori name in California. Read more
| Name | Antica Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Napa Valley AVA |
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.7% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Country | United States of America |
| Region | California |
| Vendor | Antica Napa Valley (Antinori) |
| Story | History and Curiosities Founded in 1993, the Antica estate combines the Tuscan tradition of the Antinori family with Californian winemaking excellence. On the slopes of the Vaca Mountains, in the Atlas Peak district, this prestigious limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon is born at an altitude of 550 metres. The 2019 vintage, overseen by oenologists Melissa Apter and Renzo Cotarella, has won over international critics, receiving outstanding ratings such as 94 points from James Suckling. A superb red, celebrated for its extraordinary expressiveness and profound complexity. |
| Origin | Atlas Peak District, Napa Valley, California, United States |
| Soil composition | Volcanic and clay soil, with some areas composed of basalt |
| Harvest | Late September |
| Fermentation | 10–14 days |
| Production technique | Fermentation of each vineyard separately in temperature-controlled tanks (10–14 days), complete malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels and ageing for 16 months in French oak barrels |
| Wine making | Each vineyard is fermented individually to preserve the distinctive characteristics of its grapes. Fermentation takes place over 10 4 days in temperature-controlled tanks. Afterwards, the wine is racked and transferred to French oak barrels where full malolactic fermentation is carried out. |
| Aging | 16 months in French oak barrels |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |