Give Me Cabernet: Stephanie Gibbins, #PNV13 Social Media Crew

February is upon us, and everyone is thinking of red roses and conversation hearts.

Here in the Napa Valley, excitement is brewing as Premiere Napa Valley is upon us. Whether it’s your first time being a part of Premiere or this is yearly occurrence for you, everyone is looking forward to the more than 200 lots that will be presented at auction.

Wineries are busy thinking of Premiere Napa Valley months before the event. As for me, I’ve been busy making sure everything on the social media side is ready. In the past, I haven’t been a part of many Premiere Napa Valley events so this time I took it upon myself to make sure I did something worthwhile - I became part of the Vintner’s Premiere Napa Valley Social Media Crew to help share the excitement of Premiere Napa Valley (#PNV13) online.

One of the ways we are doing this is by focusing on some of the unique wine lots that are available at this year’s Premiere Napa Valley. The lots I choose to cover were Rombauer Vineyards (where I work), Duckhorn Vineyards and Silver Oak.

Rombauer Vineyards

I got to sit down during all this madness and pick Richie Allen - our winemaker’s - brain about our 2011 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon. Atlas Peak has become a coveted appellation, the high altitude allowing the fruit to ripen quicker and the true characteristics of the fruit to show. This fruit is truly unique! Christmas spices along with currant caress your senses. The weight and intensity on the back pallet will keep you coming back for more. You won’t be disappointed with the high quality of this delicious and intense Cabernet Sauvignon.

Duckhorn Vineyards

It was only fitting to tell the story of Duckhorn’s lot as they are our neighbors just down the road. Duckhorn’s Premiere Napa Valley lot is a 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Three Palms Vineyard. The 2011 vintage was exciting for Duckhorn, they acquired the rights to the all the grapes from Three Palms Vineyard. Three Palms Vineyard is an iconic vineyard and this wine shows it off. Aromas of cinnamon and clove hit your senses followed up with the mouthwatering red-fruit flavors. Your pallet will enjoy the depth this wine gives. Make sure you taste this wine and see for yourself how this iconic vineyard’s wine stacks up.

Silver Oak

Silver Oak is known for their reds but this Cabernet Sauvignon really stands out. The 2011 Jumpin’ Jack Flash Cabernet Sauvignon is one that will wow you. The creation of Director of Winemaking Daniel Baron and CEO David Duncan, this lot was the obvious choice. Blending of Cabernet and Merlot makes this wine memorable. Grab a glass and taste it for yourself.

Hopefully your mouth is watering just like mine, and this is only just a taste of what Premiere Napa Valley has to offer! Now we sit and wait until the 23rd to see what other rare wines will be a part of this “must attend” event for the wine trade. See you at Premiere!

Cheers,

Stephanie Gibbins
#PNV13 Social Media Crew
@RombauerVino
Rombauer Vineyards