2013 Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon

$53.90 btl / $646.80 cs (case of 12 x 750ml)

Waterstone has quickly become known for producing top-quality Napa Valley wines that delight the palate. The 2013 Waterstone Cabernet has a Bordeaux-like presence that is deep, rich, and lingering. Firm, integrated tannins frame the concentrated, dark fruit (currant, black cherry, wild berry, plum). Toasty oak and an earthy edge add to the wine’s great complexity. Only 5,000 cases were produced for world-wide distribution and only 25 cases remain in Ontario.

Brent Shortridge, Owner of Waterstone Wine, is an accidental winemaker. With a biochemistry background and former aspiration of going to medical school, Shortridge had no intention of entering the wine business until a summer job at Sonoma’s Buena Vista Winery changed his life.

“It was an accidental summer job. I had just completed my degree and was wanting to earn some money before med school, so I took a job as a lab intern at Buena Vista. André Tchelistcheff became a mentor during this stage. While unintended, this temporary position evolved into a vintage assessment and “year off” from schooling. The year off evolved into years off, as I had found a greater career interest.”

Now 25 years in, Brent Shortridge has extensive hands-on experience in virtually every aspect of the wine industry, from the cellar to the boardroom. With the cost of Napa Cabernet rising on average of 10% year over year Waterstone was formed in 2000 with the simple concept of creating luxury wines at affordable prices. How do they do this? A concept known as a virtual winery that brings together established relationships with premium Napa Valley growers and vintners to develop balanced wines of varietal character through intelligent sourcing.

Preferring to focus on the wine itself rather than the accumulation of land and facilities, Waterstone owns no vineyards, nor does it own the facility where their wines are made. Dedicated winemaking, strong relationships with top growers and long-term grape contracts are the keys to Waterstone’s quality and success.

Price: Case of 12 at $646.80 ($53.90 per bottle)

Drink: Now or over the next 10 years

Varietal/Body: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc, Full-body

Vintage: 2013 was nearly an ideal season in Napa, with moderate temperatures and no rain or heat extremes

Vinification: 22 months in French oak, 80% new

Accolades: 92 points – 2012 Vintage
“Subtle blackberry, black currant and hints of wood. Full to medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Drink or hold.”– James Suckling, July 2015

Food Pairing: Grilled steak, red meat and aged cheddar cheese