# Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (2016)

- **Producer:** Heitz Wine Cellars
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €150
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** blackberry, redcurrant, blackcurrant, red cherry, tobacco, cedar, rosemary, thyme, sage, tobacco, dried fruit, earth, leather, mushroom, wet leaves, forest floor

## About this wine

The Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a single-vineyard wine from the Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley, crafted by Heitz Wine Cellars. The Trailside Vineyard, planted in 1984, is situated on the eastern side of Rutherford, benefiting from fertile alluvial soil and an orientation conducive to Cabernet Sauvignon cultivation. Heitz Wine Cellars, founded in 1961, is recognized for its commitment to quality and its early adoption of single-vineyard designations. The winery is now owned by the Lawrence family, who uphold the estate's agricultural heritage and winemaking philosophy. The 2016 vintage benefited from a near-perfect growing season in Napa Valley. The wine's distinctive character is shaped by its specific vineyard origin and an extended aging regimen.

## Interesting facts

- Trailside Vineyard was established in 1984.
- The vineyard is farmed sustainably and is certified organic.
- This wine sees a total of five years of aging before release.
- Heitz was a pioneer in single-vineyard designations in Napa Valley.

## Food pairing

The full body and firm tannins of this Cabernet Sauvignon are well-suited to complement the richness of red meats and game. The wine's structure can cut through fat and protein, while its complexity can harmonize with savory and earthy flavors found in many classic dishes. The extended aging also allows for a more nuanced interaction with richer ingredients.

## Wine making process

The Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is produced using a meticulous approach that begins with the separate fermentation of each vineyard block from Trailside. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes an extensive aging regimen. It spends one year in neutral oak tanks, then matures for two years in 100% new French Limousin oak barrels. This is followed by a further year of aging in the bottle before its release. The total time spent aging in oak amounts to four years. The winery employs sustainable farming practices, including organic cultivation and certification as Fish Friendly Farming.