Red Cap Vineyards: A Howell Mountain Gem

Red Cap Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

Location: Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, CA

Price: $75/bottle

I was so excited when this wine arrived in the mail. It comes from a family-owned boutique vineyard on Howell Mountain in Napa Valley. I first heard about the, through social media outreach for State of the Vine. After reading many rave reviews, I decided I just had to try it.

Currently, Red Cap doesn't distribute in the DC/Northern Virginia area, but you can order online, or by calling the vineyard!

Noteworthy: Not only was everyone I spoke with wonderful, helpful and nice, but they have the cutest vineyard dog named Roscoe that I have totally fallen in love with! 

Michael, the marketing director for Red Cap answered all of my questions and helped me pick the best year of their Cabernet to try first. He even gave me some great tips on decanting and the proper type of wine glass to use for maximum taste (more on that below).

Tasting Notes: I realized right away after taking my first sip that drinking this wine would be an experience...it's so phenomenal I was forced to slow down and really enjoy it (trust me; that's a very good thing). My fiancé Anthony, who was enjoying it with me, always has words of "wine wisdom" to share. He said he could "taste the blades of grass." I knew exactly what he meant. 

This 2010 Cabernet is juicy, with notes of cherry and blackberry. The perfect amount of oak and tannin. Smooth and silky on the palate and and a lingering finish. Excellent. 

My Verdict: This is one of the best reds I've ever had. I can't wait to try their other years (although I hear they are selling out fast!) And maybe I'll get to visit their vineyard someday when I finally make it out to California.

If I could sum this wine up in one word...CAB-solutely!*

*Phrase credit of Brenna, Trina and Tay. Miss you ladies! 

Tips: 

Decanting- When my wine arrived from California, Michael suggested I let it "rest" for a few days before popping it open.

Michael's suggestions:

    1. Uncork the wine
    2. Pour a one ounce taste
    3. Pour half into a decanter (leave the other half in the bottle)
    4. Wait 15-30 minutes
    5. Taste the differences, and enjoy

The glass- Michael suggested a red Bordeaux glass, a regular red wine glass, or a Pinot Noir glass. He stressed how important the glass is because it "allows for the wine to open up." I liked it the most out of the Pinot Noir glass I think but to tell you the truth it was equally fantastic out of every glass. 

Cheers!

Learn more about the Howell Mountain AVA and their wines here.

Vineyard Info:

Red Cap Vineyards Instagram, Facebook, Website

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