Freemark Abbey
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 24 | Lot No. 86
Vintage: 2018
Freemark Abbey
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
20 cases produced
Highlights
- A collaboration to celebrate Ted Edwards’ 40th vintage and Kristy Melton as the new winemaker
- Cabernet Sauvignon hand selected from the iconic Bosché and Sycamore vineyards
- Your wine was fermented in small, stainless steel tanks and is aging in 100% French oak barrels
- This ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon represents a unique expression from the famed Rutherford Bench
Description
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.
Wine Facts
- Wine is unfiltered
- Single vineyard wine
- 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.
Willow Park Wines & Spirits
10801 Bonaventure Drive, SE
Calgary AB T2J 6Z8
Canada
403-296-1640
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Willow Park Wines & Spirits:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freemark Abbey | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| Gallica | 2018 | Cabernet Franc | Oakville | 24 (2020) | |
| Mount Veeder Winery | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| William Hill Estate Winery | 2018 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 24 (2020) | |
| Source-Napa | 2006 | Sauvignon Blanc | Yountville | Gamble Vineyard Oyster Wine | 11 (2007) |
| The Hess Collection Winery | 2005 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | Elevation 1492 | 11 (2007) |
| Grgich Hills Cellar | 2004 | Petit Verdot 75%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25% | Yountville | 10 (2006) | |
| Atalon Winery | 2003 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 9 (2005) | |
| Franciscan Oakville Estate | 2002 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 8 (2004) | |
| PlumpJack Winery | 2002 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | I/J Block Blend | 8 (2004) |
| Niebaum Coppola Estate Winery | 1997 | Cabernet Sauvignon (90%), Cabernet Franc (5%), Merlot (5%) | Rutherford | Estate Rubicon | 3 (1999) |
| St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery | 1997 | Red Table Wine | Napa Valley | Dollarhide Ranches | 3 (1999) |
| Stonehedge Winery | 1997 | Merlot | Oakville | 3 (1999) | |
| Bouchaine Vineyards | 1996 | Chardonnay | Los Carneros | 1 (1997) | |
| Clos Pegase | 1996 | Chardonnay | Los Carneros | 1 (1997) | |
| Sutter Home Winery | 1994 | Zinfandel | St. Helena | 1 (1997) |
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)