Pellet Estate
The “A.K.”
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
Auction 22 | Lot No. 21
Vintage: 2017
Pellet Estate
The “A.K.”
Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
5 cases produced
Highlights
- The best of the best barrels: Tom said, “this truly is a real A** K*****” and The A.K. was born
- A wine with grip; it’s vibrant and complex, with silky tannins and a seductive mouthfeel
- 100% estate fruit; new Darnajou, Ermitage and La Grange French oak
- Our heritage Pellet Vineyard dates to 1863 and is among the earliest in St. Helena
Description
Pellet Estate’s 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, “The A.K.,” is 100% estate fruit from the historic Pellet Vineyard, and is a blend of Clone 4 and Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, with a bit of Merlot. It is a big wine with grip – vibrant and complex, packed with flavors of dark jammy fruit, hints of chocolate and spice, yet has silky tannins with a seductive mouthfeel. This wine represents the absolute authentic expression of the Pellet Vineyard, and is classically made by master vintner Tom Rinaldi. Quite frankly, as Tom says, “it’s an Ass Kicker.” And just like that, the A.K. was born. Located on the west side of St. Helena, Pellet Estate is named after pioneer winemaker Henry Pellet, and is nestled between the famed Dr. Crane and Las Piedras vineyards. This vineyard planted in 1863 is one of St. Helena’s oldest sites, and the location of one of the first commercial wineries in the valley. Henry Pellet, the first “Mayor” of St. Helena, together with Charles Krug and Dr. G.B. Crane, established the St. Helena Viticulture Society (now known as Appellation St. Helena) and basically put St. Helena wines on the map.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Tom Rinaldi
Winemaker, Pellet Estate
Raised in San Francisco, Tom made frequent trips to Napa on his motorcycle, buying wines directly from the wineries of the day. After four years in the Navy, Tom enrolled at UC Davis along with notable classmates Mike Martini, Tim Mondavi, Randy Dunn, and Bob Levy.
Tom's career began at Freemark Abbey, an experience he calls "a great job, and a great honor." In 1978, Tom became the founding winemaker at Duckhorn Vineyards. After 22 vintages of creating some of Napa's most celebrated wines, Tom helped launch Provenance Vineyards and Hewitt Vineyard from the ground up. Tom's recent 2010 Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon was named to the Wine Spectator's Top 10 in the world for 2013, and the #1 Wine in California.
Tom resides with his wife and daughter in St. Helena, where you will either find him in the vineyard, the cellar, or riding his bike throughout the Napa Valley.
Country born: United States
Education: UC Davis graduate, mentor to many many winemakers.
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
To hand craft each wine appropriately to the vintage, the vineyard, and the varietal to result in the purest expression possible.
Omaha Wine Company
701 North 114th Street
Omaha NE 68154
402-431-8558
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