Wine Specs
Vintage
2008
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation
Napa Valley
Aging
Oak – 22 Months in French Oak, 50% New
Alcohol %
14.2%
The 2008 Corley Yewell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon exuberant bright red and purple berry fruit along with rich tones of dark shaved chocolate. The oak is well integrated in the nose and reveals a very nice mocha and coffee aroma in the wine. There is a hint of eucalyptus aroma in the background that is very appealing as well. On the palate, this wine is rich in texture with well-defined tannins that frame the wine beautifully and will allow this wine to age gracefully.
– Chris Corley, Winemaker
Principal Characteristics: ripe, violety aromas and rich, but supple flavors and firm tannins.
Wine Profile
Vineyard Notes
Yewell Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley
The Yewell Vineyard is a tiny property located on Ehlers Lane in the St. Helena sub-appellation of Napa Valley. The fruit from this vineyard has been coming to Monticello Vineyards since approximately 1982, just after the vineyard was first planted. The rocky well drained vineyard produces intense small berried clusters that produce similarly intense wines. The wine from this vineyard is both a component of the Monticello “Jefferson Cuvee” Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the Corley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.
About a decade ago, Nancy and Dave Yewell acquired this lovely St. Helena property. After farming it for a few years, an intensive replanting effort was initiated. Special planting materials, trellis design and systems were utilized to achieve the highest quality from this particular site. The Corley family has worked very closely and collaboratively with the Yewell family to create a stunning wine.
St. Helena Sub-Appellation
Climate: Warm, due to greater protection from western hills, with less fog or wind incursions. The narrowing of the valley floor provides more heat reflection off the hillsides. Mid-summer temperature peak is often in the mid- to high 90°F range (31 to 35°C).
Soils: Principally gravelly silt loams, sedimentary in origin, and gravelly alluvial soils with rock.
