2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
One of Napa Valley’s original Cabernet Sauvignon houses with a legacy dating back to 1886, the historic Freemark Abbey helped pioneer the California wine industry and has become a beacon of enduring quality and tradition. The winery has built its reputation as one of Napa Valley’s most storied and trusted Cabernet Sauvignon houses with a classic, elegant style of winemaking that rewards patience with their incredible ageability. In fact, the winery has built one of the largest library collections of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons dating back to the mid-1960s. With over 40 vintages, Ted still believes nothing is more exciting than growing grapes, making wine and sharing it with friends. This is also why, after 40-plus vintages, the opportunity has come for Ted to usher in the next generation in Freemark Abbey’s history with the appointment of Kristy Melton as winemaker. Together Ted and Kristy were able to craft this selection from the prestigious Napa Valley vineyards, Bosché and Sycamore. While these vineyards are only a mile apart on the Rutherford Bench, these two top sites provide a remarkable sense of place, distinction and ageability. Whether you open this wine now, or 40 vintages from now, we hope you celebrate your role in Freemark Abbey’s history. None of it would be possible without partners and friends like you.
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.
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: Ted Edwards
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