Just a month ago, I met Steve Eisenhauer in Burgundy during the Vente de Vin in Beaune. Steve mentioned that he had his own wine project so I was interested in seeing what his results were.
2007 Congruence Cabernet Sauvignon- Napa Valley
Deep rich color. Opens with milk chocolate, vanilla, black fruits and cassis. Nice acid here. Tannins are present, but the wine comes across as very round. This is an enjoyable wine now, showing nice weight while being agile. There is also a persistent finish focusing on a primary black fruit and chocolate profile. Overall, this is a wine that is delicious now, but I’d be interested in trying this at 10 years old as well.
Steve, best of luck with your project! You are off to a great start.
Cheers
Thanks for the note and kind words, Ray. I’m happy to hear you liked the wine. I’m particularly glad you mentioned the acidity, as this is an area to which I am paying particular attention. I’m a person who enjoys both burgundy and Napa cabs, so I hope to make a wine that can be enjoyed by both “camps”.
The '07 was a sort of private dry-run for what I’m doing in subsequent vintages and unusual for a Napa cab in that the wine saw no new oak during its elevage (the first nine months in 2002 barrels and a short time in one-year old barrels, with the remainder of time in 2005 barrels). I’ve done more new oak in my four-vineyard blends in 2008 and 2009 (60% until first racking, so less than six months in any new oak for '08 and 40% new oak in 2009). I intend to stay around 40 most vintages and possibly move to 60 in some.
Less reliance on new oak, maintenance of good acidity and keeping the ripeness levels under control are sort of the main points of emphasis for the wines.
Sounds like you are off to a great start. Well done Steve and good luck!