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Doug Wilder, Issue 70 Action! Cabernet Season Getting Into Swing St. Helena, CA - September 22, 2006 It is fall in Napa Valley which is every bit as lovely as springtime. The difference being there is a lot more action now. Picking is happening in vineyards under light booms at 3 AM, grape gondolas clog Highway 29. I can pretty much forget about dinner plans with my winemaking friends for the next six weeks. The business of making wine will be going into overdrive soon and the perfume of fermentation hangs like a robe in the morning mists as a reminder to anyone driving through exactly what it is we do here. In a small way, it has already started, with grapes beginning to trickle in. Last weekend I visited my friend Colin MacPhail, Estate Manager at Larkmead Winery, and Winemaker Andy Smith who was bringing in Merlot. The weather has been cooperating beautifully with highs in the low 90's. Also Andy Erickson was crushing a ton of Viognier for Arietta. Leading the charge is Emilio's Terrace from Oakville. First released in 1996, they offer consistently excellent estate grown wines for the price. Last year, the 2002 received 92 points from Vinfolio. The vineyard, owned by Phil Schlein, is tucked into the eastern hillsides of Oakville next to the famous To Kalon vineyard, the source for one of a trio of 2004 releases from Carter Cellars... 2003 Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Oakville, Napa Valley Production: 657 cases Rating: VF 93 Read the Complete Wilder Side of California, Issue #70 here VINFOLIO REVIEW 2003 Emilio's Terrace - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve Oakville, Napa Valley Vinfolio rating: 93 points Due to the steepness of the site, harvest happens in several passes as fruit ripens. These selective picks ensure only the optimal fruit is being handled on a particular day. Aromas of smooth black cherry and pomegranate spice in the nose are accompanied by hints of sandalwood. The palate is smooth with dark chocolate, creamy blackberry and tarry cherry essences. Order 2003 Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve from VINFOLIO |