Block 1 Lower
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
Howell Mountain
We had a lot of fun creating this Premiere Napa Valley wine, it gave us a chance to highlight a wine grape that is typically part of our blend, and let it shine on its own. This block of Cabernet Sauvignon stood out early, from the first sampling of fruit on the vines. Winemaker Sam Kaplan put aside enough of this single block beauty to create this stunning wine, and we are excited to share it.
Winemaker, Arkenstone Vineyards
You will hear winemakers say that paying attention to detail is critical, but Sam Kaplan, Arkenstone's Winemaker, takes it to another level. In the caves at Arkenstone, he has the luxury to do just that.
After graduating from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Sam was offered an internship at Pine Ridge Winery in 1998 for his first vintage. He then met the de Leuze family at ZD and worked his way from a cellar worker to the cellarmaster position. Shortly thereafter he was promoted to Assistant Winemaker, where he worked for nearly seven years learning not only winemaking and grape growing, but established a solid understanding in sales. In 2006, Sam met Ron and Susan Krausz and was offered the opportunity to help create their dream --a new winery called Arkenstone up on a spectacular shoulder property of Howell Mountain.
As Winemaker and overseer of the vineyards, Sam maintains the integrity and quality of Arkenstone wine. The depth, complexity, and balance of the wines are evidence of the tremendous breadth of his abilities. Passionate about organic farming, he loves spending time walking the vineyards with the crews, taking note of the tiniest details that ultimately shape each vintage.
The maxim that Sam lives by: Make the best damn wine possible and have fun doing it.
Country born: United States
Education: BA, Lewis and Clark
Enology coarsework at UC Davis and Napa Valley College
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
My goal is to highlight the specific vineyards and bring balance and focus to the wines. I make wines that are approachable upon release, yet are very age worthy.
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Premiere Napa Valley Wine Collection
Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 24 | |
Kelly Fleming Wines | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Simmons Canyon | 24 |
Rudd Estate | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Mount Veeder | Leslie's Block | 24 |
Arkenstone Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Block 1 Lower | 23 |
Correlation Wine Company | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 23 | |
Merryvale Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Profile Estate Vineyard | 23 |
Sterling Vineyards | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Platinum | 23 |
Vineyard 7 & 8 | 2017 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Homestead | 23 |
Chappellet Vineyard | 2016 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 22 | |
Lail Vineyards | 2016 | Sauvignon Blanc | Napa Valley | Henry VIII | 22 |
Pott Wine | 2016 | Red Wine | Mount Veeder | Being and Time | 22 |
Arkenstone Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | Estate Ten | 21 |
Coup de Foudre Winery | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Lightning Bolt | 21 |
Kelly Fleming Wines | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Block 4 Hillside | 21 |
Larkmead Vineyards | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A5 West | 21 |
Vineyard 7 & 8 | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Spring Mountain District | Homestead | 21 |
Aloft Wine | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 20 | |
Memento Mori | 2014 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Inebriari In Vitae | 20 |
Seavey Vineyard | Non-vintage | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | A Tale of Two Wines | 20 |
Arrow&Branch | 2013 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | 19 | |
BRAND Napa Valley | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Double Barrel Elevation 1588 | 19 |
Arrow&Branch | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | St. Helena | Dr. Crane Vineyard | 18 |
Seavey Vineyard | 2012 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 18 |
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