2003 - Solo Cabernet Sauvignon - Foley Food and Wine Society

2003 – Solo Cabernet Sauvignon

In 1968, Harry See planted the Silverado Vineyard to Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the next two decades with careful vine selection and cultivation, the Silverado Clone emerged becoming the only Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon designated as a “Heritage Clone”, by the University of California, Davis. Each year, we honor this select clone designation with SOLO.

APPELLATION: Stags Leap District, Napa Valley

VARIETAL: Cabernet Sauvignon

COOPERAGE: 16 months barrel age
21% new oak. New oak profile: 100% French
Overall oak profile: 83% French, 17% American

Vintage Notes

The year began with rain, then unusually hot weather in March kicked off the growing season. Five more inches of rain in May kept the vines healthy and vigorous, delayed bloom and fruit set, and assured us of a large crop. Summer was pleasant and mild, but by September’s foggy mornings, growers and winemakers began to squirm about ripening. Just in time, several days of ninety-plus temperatures at the end of the month got the harvest off and running.