BLUE BOOK TASTE PROFILE

Appellation: Napa Valley
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon


TASTE BENCHMARKS
  Profile #1
Collectible Style
Profile #2
Dense, Generous Style
Appearance Dark to inky black color. Young wines should have no brown edge. Dark to inky black color.
Aroma The best wines exude power and class in the nose. In youth they may be understated and a little closed, even reductive. Look in the mouth for fruit. Red currant, blackberry, licorice, and/or plum, often complexed with basil, tarragon or sage.
Flavor Cassis, plum, blueberry and tar. Very dense tannins should be fine and all on the top of the tongue with no graininess. Rich fine tannins support bright, elegant, satisfying flavors with great richness and length.
Balance Ageworthy wines will not have excessive alcohol and should have at least moderate acidity. May be somewhat alcohol driven.
PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS
Viticultural Low but balanced yields.
Terroir Varies tremendously. Many of the best wines blend terroir influences, but single vineyards outside approved appellations also appear in this category. Varies tremendously. Many of the best wines blend terroir influences, but single vineyards outside approved appellations also appear in this category.