Freemark Abbey
2011 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Van Z Ranch"
St. Helena AVA
Auction 17 | Lot No. 42
Vintage: 2011
Freemark Abbey
Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
10 cases produced
Description
Northeast of downtown St. Helena, a stone’s throw from the Napa Valley Vintners’ office, is the Van Z Vineyard, hallowed ground rich with viticultural history. While small geographically, it’s big on richness and depth of flavor in terms of black fruits. Winemaker Ted Edwards likes to use it to embellish and build the depth of our Josephine blend and, most specially, our Bootleg blend.
While it has added substantial backbone, depth of fruit and structure to these blends, we have for the first time decided to let a little of this special wine go solo, as our 2013 Premiere offering. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it is balanced with firm tannin structure and pleasant acidity, and promises to be a wine for the ages.
Wine Facts
- pH: 3.72000
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tasting Chart
| bone dry |
|
very sweet |
| light body |
|
very full bodied |
| soft, gentle |
|
very crisp |
| no tannins |
|
heavy tannins |
 |
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.
The News Room
990 Nicollet Mall Drive
Minneapolis MN 55403
612-343-0073
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from The News Room:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. McClelland Cellars | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A Clonal Examination | 23 (2019) |
| Benessere | 2014 | Red Wine | St. Helena | Cabernet Sauvignon / Aglianico Blend | 20 (2016) |
| Mi Sueño Winery | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Coombsville | Selección Herrera | 19 (2015) |
| Dos Lagos Vineyards | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | 18 (2014) | |
| Freemark Abbey | 2011 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Van Z Ranch | 17 (2013) |
| Detert Family Vineyards | 2010 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | East Block 30-Year-Old Vines | 16 (2012) |
| Schweiger Vineyards | 2008 | Red Wine | Spring Mountain District | M | 15 (2011) |
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.
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)