Cain Vineyard & Winery
Biodynamique: François’ Pick
2017 Red Wine
Spring Mountain District
Auction 23 | Lot No. 141
Vintage: 2017
Cain Vineyard & Winery
Biodynamique: François’ Pick
Red Wine
Spring Mountain District
5 cases produced
Highlights
- From some of the oldest vines in our Picnic Tree Vineyard, situated on an east-facing slope at the crest of the Mayacamas Mountains
- Vineyard farmed biodynamically since 2007, under the guidance of a master, Philippe Armenier
- Thin, cold, clay-shale soils and mature vines deliver brilliant, fresh mountain aromatics with a delicate, lively and refined palate
- A classical blend of Cabernet Franc (55%), Cabernet Sauvignon (39%) and Petit Verdot (6%)
Description
At Cain, we've never been one to follow fashion, but we're curious, and we're always open to ways that might make our vines healthier. Although we've been farming organically for nearly two decades, we've also wanted to explore the world of biodynamics. Here is the fruit of one of our "BD" blocks, now in its 11th year of the biodynamic regime. The vines are healthier than ever. Grown in the coolest part of the Cain Vineyard, this Premiere Napa Valley wine is a classic blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Delicate and pure, with a lovely texture and the classic Cain aromatic signature.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Organically produced (also commonly called "organically grown")
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Christopher Howell
Winemaker, Cain Vineyard & Winery
Chris Howell calls himself, Wine-Grower. He has dedicated more than twenty-five years to Cain Vineyard & Winery. His commitment to Cain stems from a realization that one can only learn from one vintage to the next, and that depth of knowledge of a single vineyard takes years to acquire. His focus is on fine wine-growing, following the process from vineyard into the cellar and finally to the glass. There are just two essential prerequisites for doing this, knowing wine and loving wine. In both of these, he remains a perpetual student.
Country born: United States
Education: My perspective has been informed by very many generous friends, colleagues and teachers, both in Napa and from throughout the world, who have shared their experiences generously. I thank them all.
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
A confirmed traditionalist, with a New World perspective, Chris believes that winemaking is merely the corollary of grapegrowing. Originality is discovered in the vineyard.
Francois Bugue
Winemaker, Cain Vineyard & Winery
I was born and raised in Cognac, France, where my family has a vineyard. After completing four years of enology and viticulture school, I took over the management of my family's estate. Then, at age 24, I decided to explore the New World of wine. Ending up in the Napa Valley, I worked for a small winery, Bernard Pradel Cellars (now Elyse), where I managed their viticulture and winemaking. I worked the harvest of 1993 at Newton Vineyard, and began working for Cain Vineyard & Winery in 1994 as associate winemaker.
Country born: France
Education: Four years of studying viticulture and enology in France
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Winemaking begins in the vineyard, a long time before any fermentation takes place in the cellar. Being able to read what the vines are showing you, and how the grapes are behaving at harvest time, is a must. The process of transforming grapes into wine in the barrel should flow easily, until judicious blending takes place.
Winery Distribution
Cain Vineyard & Winery is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Cain Vineyard & Winery Contact: Matt Strayer
Domestic:
- Arizona ( Quail )
- California ( Revel )
- Colorado ( Breakthru )
- Florida ( Terroir Selections )
- Georgia ( Ultimate )
- Illinois ( High Road )
- Massachusetts ( Ruby )
- Minnesota ( Maverick )
- Missouri ( Vintegrity )
- New York ( Banville )
- Oklahoma ( Premium )
- Texas ( Maverick )
International:
- Canada - Ontario ( Stephen Ranger )
- United Kingdom ( J & B )
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