# Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (2018)

- **Producer:** Heitz Wine Cellars
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, red plum, red cherry, black cherry, blackcurrant, dried herbs, vanilla, cedar, coffee, cigar box, smoke, chocolate, tobacco, loam, leather, earth, forest floor, wet leaves

## About this wine

The Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 hails from the Rutherford appellation in Napa Valley, California. This single-vineyard bottling is a pure expression of its site, characterized by the vineyard's alluvial soils and gentle slope. Heitz Wine Cellars, established in 1961, is a historic Napa Valley winery known for its commitment to site-specific winemaking and vineyard stewardship. The 2018 vintage is recognized for its ability to showcase the distinctive qualities of Rutherford's terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Trailside Vineyard is planted across 16 blocks with 7 different Cabernet Sauvignon clones.
- The vineyard is farmed using certified organic and sustainable practices.
- This wine undergoes an extensive aging process, including 4 years in oak and 1 year in bottle before release.

## Food pairing

The wine's firm tannic backbone and full body are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, helping to cleanse the palate. Flavors of dark fruit and subtle spice in the wine can echo or contrast with elements in the dishes, creating a harmonious dining experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Heitz Cellar Trailside Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 begins with the separate fermentation of each vineyard block in neutral oak tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for a total of four years in oak, including a significant period in new French Limousin oak barrels. An additional year of bottle aging precedes the wine's release. The winery employs certified organic and sustainable farming practices in the vineyard.