Cain Vineyard & Winery Napa Valley Cain Cuvee ‘NV8’

About This Wine

In the world of wine, there is blending... and then there is blending.

Many wineries add a dollop of Merlot to their Cabernet Sauvignon, or a splash of Semillon to the Sauvignon Blanc. At Napa Valley’s Cain Vineyard & Winery, however, blending is taken to whole different level with its Bordeaux-style red known as Cain Cuvee.

The current release, labeled “NV8,” combines four grape varieties, five growing districts of Napa Valley and — what really sets it apart from other blends — three different vintages. “All these factors contribute to a wine that is well balanced, surprisingly complex and with a unique personality,” sums up Cain winemaker Christopher Howell.

Together, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon account for four-fifths of the varietal makeup, joined by smaller portions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. More than half of the juice came from the 2008 harvest, with 2007 and 2006 also contributing. It’s a wine that’s classically Napa Valley... and classically Cain.

About Bordeaux Blend

A Bordeaux Blend is a blended red wine with six varities: Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Carmenere.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:48% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc & 6% Petit Verdot
• Grape Source:5 Napa Valley Appellations
• Aromas & Flavors:Cassis, Raspberry, Spice, Black Cherry and Chocolate
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2015
• Food Pairing Suggestiona grilled burger, or a French dip sandwich.

Member Ratings

Recipes

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  Tuscan Style Roasted Game Hens If you're looking for a change from turkey or ham this holiday season, try this easy-to-prepare dish that matches well with both white and red wines. It serves 6... Get The Recipe
  

  Barbecued Short Ribs With Asian Marinade This recipe, which serves 6, makes an anything-but-typical companion to red wine blends that are based on the varieties of Bordeaux. If you can't find certain ingredients at your supermarket, track down a Korean market... Get The Recipe
  

  Lemony Lamb Chops Here's a versatile dish that matches well with red Bordeaux or Merlot, yet also can be enjoyed with white wines because of its lemon-flavored sauce. It makes 4 servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Smoked Salmon Penne Pasta In a world of "anything goes" food-and-wine pairing, we're always on the lookout for recipes that match well with either white or red wines. This is one such recipe, and it makes two servings... Get The Recipe
  

  Maytag Bleu T Bone Steaks We decided to tap the "Born to Grill" cookbook for this amazingly flavorful recipe for the summer. It serves 4. Get The Recipe
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  Beef Roast With Winter Fruit This recipe is ideal for the chilly evenings of winter, and matches beautifully with Cabernet Sauvignon or red Bordeaux. It makes 12 servings. Get The Recipe
  

  Pan Fried Lamb Chops This recipe, which makes 4 servings, features flavors that can be enjoyed with virtually any red wine. Turn it into a complete meal with a side dish jasmine rice. Get The Recipe
  

  Tomato Pesto Pasta A wonderful match with Cabernet Sauvignon, this recipe helps bring out the fruitful quality of the wine. It also matches nicely with other red wines, and serves 4. Get The Recipe