Crafted by renowned winemaker Michael Trujillo, the Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley epitomizes elegance and richness with every sip. This 2021 vintage boasts bold aromatics of black cherry and dark currants, complemented by hints of cola, sweet cedar, and lively spice. On the palate, its exceptional structure shines through ripe plum, blackberry, and cherry flavors, accented by luxurious notes of leather, chocolate, and subtle vanilla from oak aging. With a velvety mouthfeel, balanced acidity, and soft tannins, this wine offers a harmonious blend of complexity and finesse, making it perfect for immediate enjoyment or cellaring to enhance its depth over time. Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking the quintessential Napa Valley Cabernet experience.
Process & Profile
The Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley represents a culmination of Michael Trujillo's 30+ years of winemaking expertise. The grapes are sourced from premium appellations within Napa Valley, including Howell Mountain, Rutherford, and St. Helena, ensuring a composition of richness and complexity. This wine is crafted from a meticulous blend of varietals—primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The 2018 vintage stands out for its balanced growing season, marked by a mild spring and warm days tempered by Napa Valley's cool marine evenings. The result is a wine that reflects optimal ripeness, exceptional depth, and a seamless structure.
Tasting Notes
With its bold and expressive flavor profile, the Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon entices wine lovers with layers of complexity. Aromas of black cherry, black currant, and dark baker's chocolate are accented by subtle hints of sweet cedar and clove. On the palate, this wine delivers concentrated yet velvety flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, and bittersweet chocolate, complemented by soft tannins and a refined oak influence. Its balanced acidity and rich mouthfeel culminate in a lingering, elegant finish, showing tremendous aging potential.
What Makes It Special
What sets Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon apart is its craftsmanship and dedication to small-batch excellence. Each bottle encapsulates decades of skill honed by Michael Trujillo, inspired by his first experiences in Napa Valley back in 1982. Sourced from top-tier vineyards, the wine reflects Napa's quintessential terroir, enhanced by Trujillo's precision in blending and winemaking. Additionally, its limited release of just over 600 cases underscores its exclusivity, making it a prized item for collectors and lovers of fine wine.
How to Enjoy
The Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed in its prime with proper decanting to allow its flavors to fully unfold. Pair it with hearty dishes such as grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or wild mushroom risotto to complement its bold character. For an unforgettable experience, serve slightly below room temperature in large, bowl-shaped glasses to enhance its aroma and flavor profile. While it is delightful upon release, this wine will also reward patience, evolving gracefully over a decade or more when stored under optimal conditions.
Conclusion
The Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is more than just a wine—it's an expression of Napa Valley's finest and a testament to Michael Trujillo's legacy. Its rich complexity, elegant structure, and small-lot exclusivity make it a standout choice for those seeking a truly remarkable Cabernet Sauvignon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon unique compared to other Napa Valley Cabernets?
Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon reflects over 30 years of winemaking expertise in blending Napa's finest grapes. It captures hallmark qualities of the region, such as rich flavors of black currant, blackberry, and subtle hints of mocha and tobacco, all balanced with smooth tannins and nuanced oak integration.
What are the typical flavor profiles of Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine showcases classic Napa Valley characteristics including ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries with undertones of cedar, espresso, and cocoa. The structure is supported by well-integrated tannins and a touch of minerality, adding depth and complexity.
Is Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon suitable for aging?
Absolutely! Like other Napa Valley Cabernets, Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon is built to age gracefully. With proper cellaring, it can develop enhanced flavors over 10–15 years, showcasing more layered and refined tertiary notes like leather, tobacco, and earthiness over time.
What foods pair best with Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon?
This robust Cabernet pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as steak or lamb, particularly when seasoned with bold herbs or spices. It also complements hearty mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, and chocolate-based desserts.
What is the ideal way to serve Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon?
For the best tasting experience, serve this wine at 59–64°F (15–18°C). Decanting it for 1–2 hours before serving, particularly for younger vintages, allows the flavors to open up fully.
What makes Napa Valley an ideal region for Cabernet Sauvignon?
Napa Valley's sunny but temperate climate, diverse soil compositions (especially volcanic soils), and unique elevation and fog patterns create the perfect environment for slowly ripening Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. This results in the rich fruit flavors and balanced acidity that define wines like Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon.
How does the terroir influence the flavors of Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon?
The terroir of Napa Valley contributes essential characteristics such as ripe black fruit flavors, a hint of “dusty” minerality, and firm but elegant tannins. Volcanic soils, combined with cool mornings and sunny days, allow the grapes to develop complexity and depth.
Is Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon made from 100% Cabernet grapes?
While the wine prominently features Cabernet Sauvignon, it may include small amounts of other Bordeaux varieties like Merlot or Petit Verdot to add complexity and balance to the blend, depending on the vintage.
Can Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignon be enjoyed young?
Yes, this wine is crafted to be approachable in its youth, with vibrant fruit and smooth tannins. However, its complexity truly shines with aging, making it versatile for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.