Vida Valiente High Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville 2021

What could make a bottle of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley crafted by all-star winemaker Sam Kaplan taste any better than it already does?? The fact that proceeds from said bottle support a non-profit organization dedicated to funding and mentoring the college careers of first-generation Americans.? Hayes & Susana Drumwright and Sam & Nancy Kaplan established the Vida Valiente Foundation and Winery in 2021 with two missions in mind (and heart.)? First, to make exceptional Napa Valley Cabernets showcasing the region's premier vineyards, and second, to raise funds for low-income Stanford students to complete their education in four years.? After tasting their 2021 inaugural release from the Vida Valiente Estate and knowing that the Foundation raised close to one million dollars in its first year alone, ACME can certify that they've completed these "missions" with flying colors and are just getting started.

While Vida Valiente's winery aspect was the brainchild of Hayes and Sam, who you may know well from their collaboration at Memento Mori Winery, Susana Drumwright was and is the driving force behind the Foundation.? As a first-generation American, she can attest to these students' seemingly unending hurdles in pursuing higher education.? Without anyone setting an example or laying the path, first-generation college students are forced to forge their way, proving they are tenacious and hard-working.? Yet, they face undue financial stress and are more likely to take longer to earn their degrees or even not complete secondary education.? These obstacles are why the Vida Valiente Foundation provides financial support for tuition and mentorship with leading executives in varying industries.? The project stands out from traditional wine philanthropy as the scholars are not required to pursue a career in wine upon accepting the scholarship.? It is a testament to the Drumwrights and Kaplans that they've used their expertise in the wine world to encourage young leaders to thrive, regardless of their passion or path.

Winemaker Sam Kaplan is the mastermind behind the outstanding wines from Vida Valiente and had a direct hand in the fruit source for the High Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon.? When owners Sean and Connie Gutterson planted the vineyard in 2018, Sam worked alongside vineyard manager Mike Wolf to design the vineyard and choose the best possible Cabernet Sauvignon clones for the site.? High Ranch is aptly named as one of the highest-elevation vineyards in Coombsville, allowing for even greater influence from the strong winds off the San Pablo Bay.? Coombsville's moderate weather, when compared to the rest of Napa, means the growing season extends longer, allowing for more nuanced fruit.

The 2021 Vida Valiente High Ranch is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 24 months in 100% new French Oak.? Sam utilized five different coopers for the High Ranch barrel program:? Darnajou, Taransaud, Remond, Atelier, and Sylvain.? Deep garnet in color, cedar plank, dried herb, and lavender aromas lead the nose with layered fruit undertones.? ?Bold and full-bodied, the palate has a dark fruit core of blackberry and black plum, with broad, grippy tannins.