Antinori Family Estate Antica Townsend Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

The Antinori Family Estate Townsend Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon combines 630 years of Italian winemaking know-how with the richly distinctive Napa terroir of the Atlas Peak appellation. It is fitting the Townsend Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a mixture of both classical and modern styles.  This powerful yet supple wine is the perfect mixture of the darkest fruits coupled with the powerful aromas of tobacco and a graphite core.  For Napa Cabernet enthusiasts – this estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon is sure to dazzle.

In 1993, Marchese Piero Antinori and his daughters Albiera, Allegra and Alessia sought out undiscovered wine regions to expand their viticultural footprint.  They were drawn to the Atlas Peak AVA in Napa and after seeing this picturesque estate, purchased it without hesitation.  Piero Antinori was no stranger to the winemaking business, and he hails from 26 generations of winemakers.  He was introduced to wine at fifteen and considers wine to be an “integral part of life.”  His philosophy is about combining both innovation and tradition to redefine winemaking in Italy and was one of the renegade winemakers who launched Solaia, a type of wine that took the world by storm in the 1970s.  The Super Tuscan.  He made significant strides in Italy and lobbied the Italian government to change the Chianti DOC regulations to DOCG, encouraging production of top notch wines from this previously overlooked appellation.  But it was only a matter of time before he set his sights on the Napa Valley. 

The Antinori family initially chose to lease the property to one of their partners for 15 years.  This was a strategic decision on Piero’s behalf, as he wanted his young daughters to hone their expertise in the wine trade.  In 1994, the winery was built and in 1998 the family expanded their holdings by purchasing the Townsend property – a vineyard from their family friend, Mrs. Townsend.  As soon as the Antinori family moved to the estate, they befriended Mrs. Townsend.  Their friendship lasted several years and was built on the camaraderie of being neighbors.  In 1998 she wanted to sell her land and Piero purchased it. Mrs. Townsend has passed, but her legacy lives on in the vineyards and they have a very personal significance to the Antinori family.  

The expansive 1200 acre property is planted with 600 acres of vines – most of them are Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.  The property sits well above the fog line as Atlas Peak has one of the highest elevations in the Napa Valley.  The Townsend vineyard is a very special place, with steep slopes and rocky volcanic soils – perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon.  The vines are planted on a high ridge and have a stunning view of Rector Canyon and the entire Napa Valley.  They grow close to the ground – a practice traditionally done in Italy – so they can absorb the heat from the volcanic soil.  The yields are kept low, and the resulting wine is a powerful and concentrated one, bursting forth with dark and explosive fruit.  A truly beautiful wine!

"Composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Cabernet Franc, the very deep purple-black colored 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Townsend Vineyard delivers intense crushed blackberries, ripe black and red currants and fresh black plums notes with nuances of Morello cherries, pencil shavings, black olives and tobacco leaf with a touch of crushed rocks. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers taut, muscular black fruits with loads of mineral sparks and a firm, chewy, rather rugged frame, finishing long and refreshing." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate (10/29/2018), Ratings: 92+, Drink: 2020-2034