Gallica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Oakville, 2011

The first wine wholly from the certified organic Oakville Ranch Vineyard. A cool, wet and foggy vintage that needed a lot of green harvesting, plus luck in being on higher elevations and deciding to pick before the rain - 'but I love the result', says Cakebread. Exotic spice, floral and herbal tea aromas are accompanied by shy blue fruit. The sappy, grippy palate is more expressive, showing bright yet dense blackberry, savoury spice and mouthwatering acidity. Elegant, detailed and complex. 19 months in 70% new French oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered in May 2013. 251 cases made.