Frequently Asked Questions
Experience the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold and luxurious red wine crafted from the finest hillside and valley-floor vineyards across Napa Valley. Showcasing a deep ruby hue, this wine entices with complex aromas of dark plum, black cherry, lilac, and licorice. The palate reveals opulent layers of ripe blueberry, cassis, cocoa nibs, and espresso, framed by polished tannins and notes of cedar and spice from aging in premium French oak. Balanced and full-bodied, it offers a long, velvety finish, making it an exceptional choice for red meat, hard cheeses, or simply savoring on its own. A true celebration of Napa's rich winemaking heritage, this Cabernet is perfect for drinking now or cellaring through 2035 for even greater complexity.
Process & Profile
Crafted with precision and passion, the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold expression of Napa Valley's unparalleled terroir. This premium wine is a blend of fruit sourced from the valley's diverse vineyards—balancing hillside grapes, known for their intensity, with valley floor grapes that provide lush fruitiness. Aged in new French oak barrels, this wine develops layers of complexity, with flavors deeply influenced by caramel, vanilla, and mulling spices. Truly a tribute to Napa's legacy, it is the creation of renowned vintner Jean-Charles Boisset, with guidance from 100-point winemaker Philippe Melka and Stephanie Putnam.Tasting Notes
The 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is an indulgent feast for the senses:- Appearance: A deep ruby hue with hints of purple at the rim.
- Aromatics: A bouquet of dark plum, boysenberry, bourbon, violets, and toasted vanilla, underscored by espresso and cedar.
- Palate: Full-bodied and plush, it opens with rich flavors of black cherry, cassis, and cocoa nibs. The wine also reveals subtle notes of brown sugar, mulling spices, and currants, supported by silky, well-integrated tannins.
- Finish: Long and smooth, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and power.
What Makes It Special
What sets 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon apart is its deep connection to Napa Valley's heritage. Named after the historic Oakville building established in 1881, the wine honors the region's pioneers and their timeless contributions to viticulture. The meticulous blending process celebrates Napa's diversity, from its cooler mountain vineyards to warmer valley floors, ensuring a dynamic and multifaceted profile. Additionally, the expertise of Philippe Melka and the craftsmanship of Jean-Charles Boisset elevate this wine to iconic status. Designed as a unique Napa experience, this Cabernet epitomizes the region's famed reputation for luxury wines.How to Enjoy
The 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is versatile yet sophisticated, making it ideal for a variety of occasions. To fully savor its complexity:- Pairing Suggestions: Excellent with red meats such as grilled ribeye or lamb, hard cheeses like aged cheddar, and gamey charcuterie.
- Serving Temperature: Enjoy best when served between 60-65°F for optimal flavor.
- Decanting: Younger vintages benefit from 30–60 minutes of decanting, softening the tannins and enhancing aromas.
- Cellaring Potential: While it's delightful now, this wine can be cellared through 2032–2035 for added depth and nuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key tasting notes of the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?
The 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is noted for its deep ruby color with a hint of purple at the rim. Aromas include dark plum, black cherry, lilac, and licorice, complemented by spice, dark cocoa nibs, espresso, and cedar. On the palate, it offers rich blue and black fruit flavors enhanced by cassis and balanced with round tannins for a long, polished finish.
Is the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon dry or sweet?
Like most Cabernet Sauvignons, this wine is dry, meaning it has little to no residual sugar. Its dryness is balanced by its bold fruit flavors and structure, making it ideal for pairing with rich foods.
What foods pair best with the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine pairs wonderfully with red meats like steak or lamb, as well as with robust hard cheeses. Its bold tannins and complex flavors also complement dishes with earthy or smoky elements.
How long can I cellar the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?
This wine has excellent aging potential and can be enjoyed now or stored until 2035. Over time, its bold tannins will soften, and new, complex flavors such as mocha or leather might emerge.
What makes the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon unique?
This wine celebrates the diversity of Napa Valley by blending grapes from both hillside vineyards and valley floors. This approach brings together the boldness and structure of hillside fruit with the lush, ripe flavors from the valley, offering a well-rounded and elegant profile. Additionally, it undergoes aging in French oak, adding layers of spice and finesse.
What is the alcohol content of the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon?
The alcohol content typically ranges between 13.5% and 15.5%, consistent with most premium Napa Valley Cabernets.
What flavors develop as it ages?
As the wine ages, primary fruit flavors like blackberry and currant may evolve into more complex tertiary flavors such as mocha, leather, tobacco, or earthy elements like forest floor and mushroom, while the tannins become smoother and softer.
What is the ideal serving temperature for this wine?
For optimal enjoyment, serve the 1881 Napa Cabernet Sauvignon at 60–65°F (16–18°C). This temperature accentuates the wine's bold fruit flavors and aromatic complexity, ensuring a seamless tasting experience.
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