Solana Farms Cabernet Sauvignon
In 1996, 13,365 Cabernet Sauvignon vines on 5BB rootstock in a 6' by 11' pattern were planted on 20.4 acres of Solana Farms. Later, a gravity fed drip irrigation system was added and placed in service in 1999 to supplement the water needs of the grape. In order to accommodate the demand for other varietals, 10.4 acres were 'grafted over' to Malbec and Petit Verdot in 2003 and in 2005, another 5 acres were grafted over to Cabernet Franc leaving 5.0 acres of quality Cabernet Sauvignon which are now nearing peak production and abailable for sale as a stand alone varietal or as blending stock.
As one of only six approved "Nobel" grapes for making French Bordeaux region blended red wines, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have spread to most every growing region in the world. This variety has been referred to as Petit Cabernet, Petite Vidure, Bouchet, Petit-Bouchet and Sauvignon Rouge in various parts of the world. It emerged as America's most popular varietal red wine in the mid-60s and continues to be the most successful red wine produced in California.
It has recently been determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is the hybrid offspring of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. The small sized grapes, tough black skins, resistance to desease and spilage and mid to late season ripening makes this varietal ideally suited for this warm, semi-arid microclimate with well drained and slightly less fertile soil. Vineyards in parts of Sonoma County, Napa Valley and the Paso Robles area have been reported to produce the highest rated California wines. These wines may have a tendency to be higher than optimal in alcohol content and lower in acid level due to the high sugar content.
Flavor and aroma descriptors associated with Cabernet Sauvignon include black current, blackberry, black cherry, bell pepper, asparagus, green olive, ginger, peppercorn and pimento. With processing (oak and bottle aging), additional flavors such as vanilla, coconut, sweet wood, smoke, toast and cedar have been noted.
More than any other single variety wine, Cabernet Sauvignon develops into a truly great wine after aging 5 to 10 years or more. Terms used to describe aged Cabernet include cedar, violets, leather, cigar box, musk, mushroom and earth.
Cultivated acreage in California for Cabernet Sauvignon has grown from 600 acres in the early 1960s to a total bearing and non-bearing acreage of 77,208 acres in 2006 per the USDA California Grape Acreage Report.
