2016 Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon Charming Creek Oakville

After flying the globe for many years as the head winemaker for the likes of Simi, Allied Domecq, and Beam Estates, Nick decided to start a family company with his wife Yolyn in 1998. The goal of the company was to focus on site-specific winemaking from great vineyard sites from around the world. Having produced so many world-class wines from around the globe, Nick knew exactly from which vineyard sites he would choose to make his wines. The wines Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt produce are all single vineyard, handcrafted, small production, artisan wines.

Nick's famous resume includes many brands that are well known to American consumers. He's made wines at Simi, Cloudy Bay, Clos du Bois, Atlas Peak, William Hill, Buena Vista, and Gary Farrell, in addition to his own brands called Forefathers and Goldschmidt.

The Oakville district is the heart and soul of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, where the coolness of the south meets up-valley warmth in perfect equilibrium. Oakville isn’t too hot; it isn’t too cold. It’s just right. That’s why Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville so perfectly expresses the essential qualities of the varietal in deep, complex wines that can last for decades. Charming Creek is located on Route 29 just north of Oakville Cross Rd. The old Clone 7 Cabernet Sauvignon vines here give perfumed aromatics but also silkiness, deep color, power, and richness. Also typical of Clone 7, the wines age very gracefully and show good acidity and structure when older. After 10 years this vineyard will still show dark fruits and supple tannins.

Aging: 20 Months in 25% New French Oak

Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple; concentrated aromas of chocolate and black cherry alongside notes of cinnamon and hazelnut. The entry of this wine is juicy with a silky-smooth texture that builds through the mid-palate. Blackberry and black currant flavors are supported with well-integrated oak. Nicely balanced and shows the fresh acidity on the finish that Oakville is known for.