2006
Raymond St. Helena Cab 1.5L

Cabernet Sauvignon
SKU: RMCSSH0646

Our powerful boldest premium reds, dark, age-worthy wines of substance. Regardless of their grape, these heavyweights are barrel-aged and quite concentrated in flavor.

FOOD PAIRING: These big reds perform best with rich, high-protein foods such as AGED CHEESES & RED MEATS and work brilliantly with RICHER, BOLDER SAUCES too.

$450
Description

The St. Helena estate vineyards are comprised of 3 main vineyards, Gretch, McCarthy and Wheeler Farms, which are located just north of the winery and were purchased back in 1985 by the Raymond family. These vineyards are located on gravelly alluvial fan soil with excellent drainage, an essential component in high quality fruit development. The vineyards are planted with a vertical shoot positioning trellis system and vines are spaced eight feet apart with eight feet between rows. The vines are also less vigorous in the area of the Napa Valley, producing smaller berries and lower yields, for more concentrated, intense wines with good
tannin structure. This wine is produced to showcase the terroir and distinct flavor characteristics of these vineyards.

NOTE ON SHIPPING MAGNUMS: Large format bottles cannot be shipped with other items and therefore incur their own shipping fee.

Tasting Notes
Aroma: 

Aromas of summer fruits picked right at the peak of flavor coupled with the pleasant aromas of black tea, cranberries and a warm graham cracker crust permeate the glass with every swirl.

Palate: 

In mouth, the wine has a pleasingly silky entry and weight as the taste of fresh strawberry jam fills your palate, transitioning to a well-structured, lengthy finish. This luscious, rich wine pairs well with rosemary and garlic crusted pork tenderloin, Moroccan lamb with couscous, or baked rigatoni with a spicy sausage sauce.

Winemaking
Vintage Notes: 

The 2006 vintage began with a delayed bud break due to wet weather in the spring. June was a typical month, as the sun warmed the earth, and the vines began to bloom and set fruit. Because of the late start to the season, canopies had not yet been thinned when a 10-day heat wave hit in July, so the young clusters were shaded from the hot sun. Cooler weather arrived in August and continued throughout harvest, allowing for a moderately paced and deliberate ripening.

Tech Notes
  • Appellation: St. Helena, Napa Valley
  • Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Alcohol: 14.57%
  • PH: 3.66
  • Titratable Acidity: 7.1 g/L
  • Case Production: 1,152 cases 
  • Aging: 15 months in 75% New French oak
Pairs Well With
Meats & Fish:
Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Blue Cheese Butter
Cheese & Nuts:
Sharp Cheeses such as Cheddar or Blue