Palmaz Vineyard

In 1997 Amalia Palmaz and her husband Julio purchased the famous Cedar Knoll Vineyard and Winery of pioneering winemaker Henry Hagen. It had been shut down in prohibition and never re-opened. The 29 acre estate is located on the slopes of Mount George at the southern end of the Vacas Range near the eastern border of Napa Valley.

Vineyard Manager Fernando Trejo and consulting Vineyard Manager Mike Wolf oversee the multiple blocks, located at 800, 1200, and 1400 feet above sea level. They are planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc for blending purposes. All are farmed sustainably.

Winemaker Tina Mitchell and consulting Winemaker Mia Klein utilize the winery’s 24 fermentation tanks to vinify each block separately.

Only 720 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon were released, so the wine is very hard to find. It is smooth, sleek, and ripe, with cassis, currant, plum, black licorice, and cinnamon notes. Slightly drying oak tannins come out on the long, flavorful finish, so either decant for aeration (swirl around in a big carafe and then pour into the largest glasses you have on hand), or let rest in the cellar for a year or so.

Reviewed November 22, 2006 by Catherine Fallis.