2018 Sunshine Valley Vineyards 'SVV' Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
In 2011, Sunshine Valley Vineyards (SVV) was started by Anthony Shen, an international architect, and investors to satisfy the desire for honest, highest quality, bold Bordeaux style wines for the Asian market. The thought was to own and control the wine by farming the fruit in the vineyard year after year for consistency at an appellation known for awarding winning Cabernets. The name SVV had long been establish by our investors in China for its organic farms and trustworthy produce supplied to high end hotels, restaurants and clubs, so this venture in US must also meet the high standard established by SVV tradition.
To many of our fellow Bounty-Hunters, Jean Hoefliger will need little introduction. It's no secret that this colorful Swiss emigré — who may have a bolt loose in his mainframe — is one of our favorite winemakers in the valley. Not only that, he's also one of the best. Hoefliger's rap sheet is long and illustrious. He's made wine at Chateau Lynch-Bages, Chateau Carbonnieux, Newton, Clark Claudon, Monteverro in Tuscany, The Debate, and of course he's entrusted by Michel Rolland to make the Napa wine that bears his name: MR. Hoefliger is simply a master of winemaking. One of his methods is the barrel fermentation of Cabernet Sauvignon, a very interesting technique – fermenting the must in individual barriques (filling them and then hammering the heads back on). This is is a very labor-intensive practice but it pays off with expressive wines and fine, suave tannins. The Sunshine Valley Vineyard is in Oak Knoll, near Laird and the ruin of the Red Hen Cantina. The Cabernet from this vineyard offers a rare combination of complete ripeness and intensity with pristine freshness. It's farmed by Jean Hoefliger and his team to exacting standards.
Wine Spectator
Amped up, with hyper ripe raspberry, plum and boysenberry confiture notes that stay well-focused as they cruise through a licorice-coated and richly toasted finish. A pulls-no-punches wine; for fans of the style. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2023 through 2033. 501 cases made. (JM)