William Cole Vineyards
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Smoking Gun"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 23 | Lot No. 76
Vintage: 2017
William Cole Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Fifth-generation Napa Valley native Cole Ballentine’s inaugural foray into making a Premiere Napa Valley wine
- Cabernet Sauvignon from some of the sweetest spots in Napa Valley, embodying a true sense of the appellation
- Aging for 22 months in French oak
- Just what is the Smoking Gun?
Description
This one-of-a-kind Premiere Napa Valley wine represents fifth-generation Napa Valley native Cole Ballentine's inaugural foray into Premiere Napa Valley. This unique Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from some of the sweetest spots in Napa Valley, embodying a true sense of the appellation. This wine was barrel aged 22 months in French oak.
Cole Ballentine
Winemaker, William Cole Vineyards
Cole Ballentine is the real thing!
There is a lot to be said for being a 5th generation farmer in Napa Valley - you pretty much know where all the bodies are buried and where the best grapes can be grown.
From an early age Cole followed his dad, William, around vineyards and wineries. He, like his father, loves the smell of the earth and has a strong respect of history and for past generations in Napa Valley.
After playing both basketball and football at St. Helena High School, Cole went off to Montana State to study business management and to immerse himself in a variety of outdoor sports he enjoys. During summers he would come back to Napa Valley to work with Wilbur Ellis, returning to the vineyards learning about plant management and vine health.
When your name is on the label, the Cole in William Cole, it is pretty hard not to gravitate back to the family business, especially when you share the same passion for quality and salt-of-the-earth winemaking. Cole and William are truly the only hands that touch the winemaking process of both William Cole and now Smoking Gun.
Growing up with the rich stories of the Wild West and the intriguing history of John Weinberger, the founder and winemaker of the first stone winery in Napa Valley, that now houses William Cole Vineyards, led Cole to the creation of Smoking Gun.
Country born: United States
Years in the wine industry: 6 years
First Bottle Wines
255 Lombard Drive Suite B
American Canyon CA 94503
United States
707-251-8186
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from First Bottle Wines:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Family Vineyards | 2012 | Sparkling Wine | Los Carneros | Lady Edythe Brut Rosé | 26 (2022) |
| Mayacamas Vineyards | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | Upper Terraces | 26 (2022) |
| Robert Mondavi Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | To Kalon Vineyard | 26 (2022) |
| Bella Union | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 25 (2021) | |
| Far Niente | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Estate Bottled | 25 (2021) |
| Kale Wines | 2019 | Red Wine | Rutherford | Heritage | 25 (2021) |
| ONEHOPE | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Atlas Peak | 25 (2021) | |
| Robert Mondavi Winery | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | To Kalon Vineyard | 25 (2021) |
| Taub Family Vineyards | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III | 25 (2021) |
| ADAMVS | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Borne | 24 (2020) |
| Miner Family Winery | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 100% Oakville | 24 (2020) |
| Robert Mondavi Winery | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Monastery Block, To Kalon Vineyard | 24 (2020) |
| William Cole Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Smoking Gun | 23 (2019) |
| Coho | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | SoNa | 22 (2018) |
| Nellcôte | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Tender is the Night | 21 (2017) |
| Trinitas Cellars | 2015 | Petit Verdot | Napa Valley | 21 (2017) |
Winery Distribution
William Cole Vineyards 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 (self)
- Georgia (Eagle Rock)
- Illinois (Pure Wine)
- Missouri (Grey Eagle)
- North Carolina (Johnson Brothers)
- South Dakota (Okaboji)
International:
- Hong Kong (A-Wines)
- Japan (A-Wines)
- Poland (A-Wines)
- Singapore (A-Wines)