Wine

Wine of the Week: 2009 Volta Cabernet Sauvignon

Posted by Martin D. Redmond on

Every Thursday I feature a wine I particularly enjoy, whether it’s something new and different, is a great value, or from a producer worth checking out.  For this week, my Wine Of The Week is the 2009 Volta Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Winery

Volta Wine  is an artisanal producer of single vineyard wines from the Napa Valley. The winery is owned by Steve Lau and Frederick McCarthy.

In a sonnet, a volta is the moment when a distinct change of thought or mood occurs. When Steve Lau and Frederick McCarthy met in 2009, it was a turning point in both of their lives. Steve had been a musician and record company executive prior to starting a small, artisanal winery. Frederick had built a career in finance and as a real estate entrepreneur while developing an enthusiasm for wine. Individually, Frederick and Steve had learned to appreciate the unique differences that time, place and terroir brings to each vintage and bottle. Their travels over the years had taken them to some of the world’s best wine regions where they explored small local vineyards off the beaten path. One night, at a dinner party hosted by a mutual friend, Steve and Frederick discovered they shared the goal of building a world-class winery. Frederick and Steve decided to team up and devote their skills, passion and energy to creating organically-farmed, responsibly crafted wines that would always inspire.

The winemaker is Massimo Montecelli. He’s a fourth generation winemaker whose family is in the business. Having been the winemaker at renowned Silver Oak, he knows a thing or two about making Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Wine

Fruit for the wine is from the organically farmed Mission Ridge Vineyard, which hugs a southwest facing slope at an elevation of nearly 720 feet above sea level. During the day, the ridge enjoys summer heat but temperatures drop at night with cooler air coming in from the San Francisco Bay. The rocky, volcanic loam soil, high elevation and southwest exposure all combine to create a dynamic micro-climate. The vineyard yields small clusters of intensely flavored grapes that ripen slowly and late into the growing season. Certified organic, the land is respectfully farmed, without the use of chemicals or insecticides. All  the fruit was hand-picked, and the wine was bottled unfiltered and unfined.

Retail – $60; 14.5% alcohol. Case Production – 450

photo (74)

My tasting notes follow:

Nearly opaque garnet color with lifted black cherry, plum, cassis, mocha and leather aromas. On the palate, it’s between light and medium-bodied, well structured,  and dense with a supple texture, an appealing grip and black cherry, plum, chocolate, cassis, espresso and a bit of vanilla flavors. Long finish.

Rating: A:  This one is a charmer. It’s ready to drink, but can age.

Pair with: Lamb burgers, lamb kebabs, or grilled flat-iron steak!

Disclosure: Sample provided for review. Opinions are my own

Ratings Key:

(A+) – 95-100/Extraordinary
(A) – 92-95/Outstanding
(A-) – 89-91/Very Good to Outstanding
(B+) – 86-88/Very good
(B) – 80-85/Good
(C) – 70-79/Bleh
(D) – 50-69/#Fail
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Martin Redmond is a Financial Executive by day, and a certified wine geek with latent foodie tendencies the rest of the time. In addition to the wine lifestyle and food he enjoys family, fitness and traveling. He likes to get thoughts of wine off his mind by sharing experiences on his ENOFYLZ Wine blog, which features wine reviews, wine country travel, and wine and food pairings.

Follow me on Twitter @martindredmond for all things wine, and since I’m a wino, with latent foodie tendencies, you’ll also find food and wine pairings, and food related stuff! Become a fan and join ENOFYLZ Wine Blog on Facebook. Cheers!

 

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