2009 Ackerman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon – A Real Treat
The Winery- Quick Background
Ackerman Family Vineyards is owned and operated by Lauren Ackerman. The 16 acre site has approximately 10 acres planted in vines. Lauren began making wine at home in 1995. Then in 2003 was her initial launch into commercial production. While she started out with only Cabernet Sauvignon, her portfolio now includes Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, Alavigna Tosca (Sangiovese & Cabernet Sauvignon), Sauvignon Blanc, Memoir Red Blend and a fortified wine. Today her production is 3,000 cases. In 2009 she completed a three year process and was officially certified CCOF organic, the first in Coombsville AVA. Coombsville is a unique area for Napa Valley as it is a cooler region and gets the winds off San Pablo Bay. This provides a longer growing season allowing for a slower ripening of the vineyards compared to the warmer portions located in central and northern Napa Valley areas.
Back in 2009, Ackerman Family Vineyards was unique in that 100% of their total net profits are donated to the Napa Valley Community Foundation! The foundation is a philanthropic bank for non-profits organizations focusing on youth and poverty. Tried repeatedly to get an update if this is still their charter but no response from the winery.
The Wine – 2009 Ackerman Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Pulled this gem out of the cellar for our Friday Night Wine & Dine Group. This was purchased back in 2013, has survived three moves and still delivered a mouth filling wine. On the eyes, a deep crimson color and medium-heavy viscosity. On the nose, raspberry and blackberries abound. On the palate, soft oak with licorice and a hint of smokiness. On the finish, great length with firmly defined structure and rounded tannins. About 500 cases were produced. The winery used for the 2009 vintage, all new French oak barrels and aged the wine two years before bottling. After bottling, it then sat for another two years before being released. Their current release is the 2019 and sells for $98/bottle.
The Food & Wine Pairing
(Photo ©Michael Kelly)
Although we did not have a wine specifically targeted for the dinner meal we still managed to have a few good wines from four different wine regions. Represented AVA’s (L to R) are 2013 Leal Vineyards Cabernet Franc from San Benito, 2019 Tobin James Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, 2009 Ackerman Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville (Napa Valley) and 2019 Newsome-Harlow Zinfandel from Calaveras County!
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.ackermanfamilyvineyards.com/
https://www.coppervalleygolf.com/homepage/current-operations
California Wines & Wineries 