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Impromp2 Cabernet Sauvignon

Impromp2 – 2011 – n. A Multi – Vintage Blend of Arns Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Back by popular demand is the latest version of multi-vintage Impromp2. This is a blend of wine from the cellar of Arns Estate. The wine is made from selections across clones and vintages 2005 – 2009. These are special wines that were not blended with the Arns Estate Cabernet. These small lots were intentionally set aside for this special blend because of their unique character and flavors. The rich older vintages along with the vibrant new vintages offer a great experience for the palate. Flavor characteristics of chocolate, cherries, anise, mulberry, black raspberries adds complexity and charm to this blend you can experience now or cellar for a later enjoyment.

2007 Arns Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 15th release of our Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Wow! 2007 was a great, almost perfect growing season with a nice wet, normal winter and warm summer. It is interesting to watch each season and see what a difference it makes. Our small production of 400 cases is packed with elevated, bright, ripe fruit. As is all of our wines, ageing always help to smooth out rough edges and this vintage is no exception.

“This small, artisanal estate has released a dense ruby/purple-colored Cabernet Estate revealing a distinctive bouquet of chocolate, espresso roast and cassis. Tight for a 2007, the wine reveals exceptional concentration, medium to full-bodied flavors and impressive purity, length and texture. Give it 1-2 more years of bottle age and drink over the following 15+ years.” Robert Parker Score 92

2008 Arns Syrah “Melanson Vineyards”

Arns would like to introduce their 5th Vintage of 100% Syrah grown at a 1400’ rocky elevation known as Pritchard Hill. The vines were planted by John Arns in the early 1990s. The clonal selection came from Joseph Phelps Vineyards. This vineyard has moderate size berries on its vertical shoot positioned trellis. Flavors are unlike its French counterpart because of the rocky terrain, elevation, warmer and longer summers without interruption of rains. Dominate flavors are blackberries, cassis, ham anise, violets, leather and olive oil. It is truly rich on the palate with long, lingering high notes of acid and refined, but powerful tannins. It cries out for food to accompany its savory and rich flavors.

Winemaker: Sandi Belcher

Vineyard: Melanson

Appellation: Napa Valley

Varietal: 100% Syrah

Barrel Aging: 3 years in 80% New French Oak

Bottle Date: February 2012

Release Date: May 2012

Production: 65 cases 750 ml bottles

Age 4-6 years decant

2008 Arns Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 16th Vintage of Arns Estate Grown Cabernet came into this world with a big bang! The growing season began with a variety of weather patterns including the longest frost season since 1973. Following the low rainfall season of 2007 (20”), the 2008 vintage experienced dry weather conditions but ultimately produced intense, small, high quality berries. We discovered it was advantageous to go into this second dry growing season because the vines were less vigorous and were forced to put more energy into the fruit. These arid conditions are a testament to the quality found in this 2008.

Winemaker’s Notes: A black, inky wine very rich in varietal character with bright overtones of tobacco, cedar, mocha/ dusty chocolate, dark Bing Cherries, sumac, leather and zesty black pepper. Well integrated with a beefy-masculine structure and an expansive mouth feel, it blossoms into a bed of tight knit but elegant tannins.