Reviews
- Decanter -
- Vinous -
Technical Details
- 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc
- Rosemary Cakebread
- US
- California
- North Coast
- Napa Valley
- Oakville Ranch Vineyard
- CCOF – California Certified Organic Farming
- French and Austrian Oak barrels
- 18 months; 7 months in barrel before blending with an additional 11 months before bottling
- 14.5%
Gallica Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville Ranch Vineyard Oakville Napa Valley 2022
CCOF – California Certified Organic Farming
53% OFF RETAIL!
“From proprietor and winemaker Rosemary Cakebread comes a structured, precise, and focused Cabernet Sauvignon—a remarkable achievement in the warm 2022 growing season...” – Decanter, 95 points
It’s not a secret that we are enamored with everything Rosemary Cakebread does, and her 2022 Oakville Ranch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is no exception! Her masterful team at Gallica came together when she sought to create her own graceful, organically farmed, single-vineyard wines that showcase the story of the land – and to say she’s achieved just that would be an understatement.
Rosemary earned a degree in viticulture and enology from UC Davis in 1979 and went on to hold stints at some impressive landing pads – including a harvest in Bordeaux and time working for Inglenook, Mumm, and Spottswoode before launching her own brand, Gallica, with a keen focus on her prized variety, Cabernet Sauvignon. This 2022 is just as voluptuously pleasing and smooth as her 2021 vintage – yet even more fruit-forward and approachable, if you can imagine such a thing. Sourced from over 30-year-old vines on the estate’s Oakville Ranch Vineyard, in the eastern hills of Napa Valley and farmed by the famed Phil Coturri, the grapes grow on a plateau ranging from 800 to 1,400 feet in elevation and among red, volcanic soils with excellent drainage. The wine takes a final blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Cabernet Franc, with 19 months of aging in 14% new French oak.
This is silky and charming, with an intensity that will stick in your memory like a favorite song, and aromas of dried flowers, amarena cherries, and blackberry preserves emerging from the glass. The palate continues with similar complex, inky-dark notes, plus pink peppercorn, cedar bark, dried lavender, and a touch of pencil lead, with whisper-soft tannins and a pure, layered, elegant style. There’s not much Gallica could do that we wouldn’t absolutely fawn over – but we must say, this might be a new favorite from them! Please do your future self a favor, and get as much as you possibly can!
PAIRING IDEAS: Nothing I love more than a high/low mix – taking a high-caliber wine such as this and pairing it with something casually delicious, like a simple patty melt with rye bread, plus homemade potato chips on the side. The crunchy chips and beefy sandwich will make the wine simply melt down your throat... yum.