Francois'Pick: AxR Cain Vineyard
2010 Cabernet Sauvignon
Spring Mountain District
Over the past twenty years, Napa Valley has undergone a metamorphosis thanks to an infamous tiny insect, phylloxera, and the choice to use a single rootstock, the equally infamous Aramon x Rupestris, Ganzin No. 1-AxR#1 (whose roots ultimately succumb to phylloxera). In 2010, Cain's metamorphosis was complete, as we replanted all but four acres of our vineyard. A few plantings remain on the hardy, resistant Rupestris St. George (a heritage treasure) along with a few plots of vines grafted on AxR. We have noted that as these AxR vines fade and their yield declines, the quality of the grapes improves. So for Premiere Napa Valley, Francois Bugue, our associate winemaker, has crafted a wine from just these vines. Be the first to taste 2010 from the oldest vines at Cain!
Barrel aged
bone dry |
![]() |
very sweet |
light body |
![]() |
very full bodied |
soft, gentle |
![]() |
very crisp |
no tannins |
![]() |
heavy tannins |
![]() |
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.
578 Gateway Drive
Napa CA 94558
800-435-2225
Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cain Vineyard and Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Francois'Pick: AxR Cain Vineyard | 16 |
Canard Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | 16 | |
Faust | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Le Démon de Midi | 16 |
Kuleto Estate | 2009 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | Gatto Nero | 16 |
Rubissow | 2010 | Red Wine | Mount Veeder | Hawkwind | 16 |
Spelletich Family Wine Company | 2009 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Reserve | 16 |
Stony Hill Vineyard | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 16 | |
von Strasser Winery | 2010 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | Rudy's Choice | 16 |
2023 © Napa Valley Vintners All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Accessibility Statement