Freemark Abbey
VanZ Vineyard
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
Auction 23 | Lot No. 85
Vintage: 2017
Freemark Abbey
VanZ Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
20 cases produced
Highlights
- With a long history, the VanZ Vineyard is one of the few left within the city of St. Helena
- Located a stone’s throw away from downtown, this dry-farmed vineyard produces very small berries
- These grapes express black fruit flavors, tons of depth and a rich, dark color
- The iconic Freemark Abbey winery is thrilled to offer a wine from this historic vineyard
Description
Celebrating over 132 years of winemaking history, we are thrilled to offer this one-of-a-kind wine from the historical VanZ vineyard. Located northeast and a stone's throw from downtown St. Helena, this mature Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard is dry farmed, producing low yields and very concentrated fruit. Warm and very well-drained soil, this vineyard ripens relatively early, producing tiny berries that impart rich, dark fruit flavors, coupled with very dark color. This vineyard is the backbone of our special bottling called Josephine, a tribute to the women who started our winery in 1886.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Wine was dry farmed
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Ted Edwards
Winemaker, Freemark Abbey
After graduating from college, I wanted to make Cabernet Sauvignon. I took a position with Freemark Abbey Winery in 1980 as the assistant winemaker; I couldn't have landed in a better spot to learn my craft. After two vintages, I was transfered by the mutual ownership to Rutherford Hill Winery to be the associate winemaker. In 1985, the partners invited me back to become the winemaker at Freemark Abbey Winery. I have been in charge of the Freemark Abbey wines from that point to present.
Country born: United States
Education: M.S. in Food Science at U.C. Davis 1980
Mentors:
Brad Webb
Phil Baxter
Larry Langbehn
Jerry Luper
Justin Meyer
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
I like comparing winemaking to cooking. Just as a chef would grow his own herb and vegetable garden, it is ideal for a winemaker to actively participate in the vineyard, see the grape growing through harvest, and bring this abundantly juicy produce to the winery, our kitchen, to make a full-bodied wine with layers of flavor. To develop the flavors that we want, it is important to use the right varietal, rootstock, and selected clone for the soil. Then the appropriate trellis system with shoot positioning must be used to maximize the most desirable effects of the sun, turning that precious sunlight into wine.
Winery Distribution
Freemark Abbey is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Freemark Abbey Contact: Amanda Purser
Domestic:
- California ( Regal Wine Company )
International:
- Australia ( Joval )
- Bahamas ( Island Hotel )
- Belgium ( Vinoscoop )
- Bermuda ( Goslings )
- Bulgaria ( Bibendum )
- Canada ( Summit Fine Wines, LCBO, SAQ )
- Canada - British Columbia ( Summit Fine Wines )
- Canada - Ontario ( LCBO )
- China ( Cofco )
- China ( Sky Regal )
- Czech Republic ( 8Wines )
- Guam ( Island Beverages )
- Hong Kong ( Fine Vintage )
- Japan ( Fwines )
- Luxembourg ( n/a )
- Netherlands ( Verbunt )
- Philippines ( Happy Living )
- Puerto Rico ( Fine Wine Imports )
- South Korea ( A Young )
- Taiwan ( St Finesse )
- United Kingdom ( OenoFuture )
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