"A B r i e f Hi s t o r y
For decades, it has been our goal to produce a Rutherford AVA, estate-grown
Cabernet Sauvignon. Inspired by the early Cabernets of Inglenook and Beaulieu
Vineyard, we've spent the past 20 years finding, farming and obtaining highly sought
after land in Rutherford-with particular attention to the Rutherford Bench-to
pursue our dream and perfect our craft.
It all began with the acquisition of the Red Barn Vineyard in 1994. Like pioneering
vintners Gustave Niebaum and Georges de Latour, we secured a home for our
winery in the center of the Rutherford appellation. This prime real estate provided
us with 40 acres of soil perfectly suited to grow Merlot and Cabernet sauvignon and
a century-old facility in which we would become Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon
producers for the first time. Immediately following our move to Rutherford, Frank
Leeds-longtime Frog's Leap Vinyardist-agreed to a partnership between Frog's
Leap and his family's Chavez Leeds Vineyard. This generational vineyard situated
on the iconic Rutherford Bench gave us our first real taste of how complex and
connected dry-farmed, organically-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from this storied
part of the appellation could be.
Finally, in 2007, we purchased the historic Rossi Vineyard located in the very heart
of the Rutherford Bench. This 50 acre vineyard was purchased by the Rossi family in
1906 and is located only a stone's throw away from the two vineyards that originally
inspired us. Now mostly planted to Cabernet sauvignon and Cabernet franc the
Rossi Vineyard completed the picture by yielding high quality Rutherford grapes for
an all estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon to stand with our predecessors.

Ab o u t t h e Wi n e
The 2012 vintage had nearly perfect growing conditions for developing depth
of flavor and complexity; warm days, cool nights, and a beautiful crop of evenly
ripened, small berries. The grapes were harvested at full maturity while retaining
high acidity and low pH. Even in its youth - right out of the tank - the aromas were
mature and defined. We bottled the wine just a bit earlier than usual with slightly less
exposure to the barrel to ensure preservation of the wine's character.
This Cabernet Sauvignon has all the hallmarks of the legendary Cabernets of
Rutherford: the deep, cassis-currant aromas, the classic notes of 'Rutherford Dust,'
and the earthen flavors of cedar and black olive. The mouthfeel is plush across the
palate with velvety tannins, yet balanced by bright acidy and firm structure that hints
at promising years to come. Pair it with rack of lamb, N.Y. Strip, or just another
glass! This wine is destined to give decades of drinking pleasure."