Humanitas 2006 'Signum' Napa Meritage

Sugarloaf Mountain offers a unique terroir for Bordeaux varietals in Napa Valley.  Unlike warmer vineyards up-valley, the climate of Sugarloaf naturally provides a longer hang-time resulting in profound color and flavor intensity.  Combined with a southwestern exposure and a rock-laden soil harvesting the sun's energy, this extraordinary terroir delivers the exceptional ripeness necesssary for both the power & complexity required of great Cabernet- and Merlot-based wines.

The Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard lies in the heart of the Napa Valley's emerging Coombsville region.  Recognized for its unique terroir for over 40 years, the Coombsville area is now being considered for official AVA status.  Located on gently-sloping terrain, this site provides a micro-climate perfectly suited to growing muscular Bordeaux-varietal wines exhibiting the distinctive terroir of this cool growing region.

The dense, almost-black color, suggests something formidable in the glass.  There is a jolt of warm blackberry puree - with overtones of vanilla and undertones of cocoa powder up front.  The wine opens into a complex changeling as the fruit morphs toward blueberry and the tones toward cigar box and fresh leather.  It moves to a mouthful of dark-fruit compote on the entry leading to a muscular middle-body.  It finishes with sweetened and buttered cocoa and a dash of vanilla as a pleasant astringency creeps into the finish from the fine tannins.

A signature, unique and personal, is a window to one's character and heart.  Appropriately, 'Signum' is the personal mark of Humanitas.

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