AKRASIA CELLARS
Rutherford, California
Akrasia was founded in 2011 when Phil Pead and his family purchased a tiny but perfectly situated vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley’s Rutherford appellation. Phil, a longtime lover of Bordeaux and Burgundy, had harbored a strong affinity for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in the past, but found himself at odds with the direction of the category: too much alcohol, too much oak, too ripe, and Napa tasted much the same as other appellations in the hands of many producers.
The goal at Akrasia was to swim against the tide and produce varietally and regionally accurate Cabernet Sauvignon. It was a tall task as the positioning in the newly minted Line of Fire Vineyard was close to perfect, but the vineyard itself was in disrepair. After repairing irrigation channels, addressing the state of the vines, trellising them, and caring for the soil, they were finally able to make wine, and a fine Cabernet Sauvignon it is.
The winemaker is Patrick Saboe, a U.C. Davis Enology Graduate whose experience includes stints at Keller and Petroni Vineyards. Phil intentionally brought in a Pinot Noir specialist as his goal remained to craft a Cabernet of delicacy, focus, and terroir – distinct sensibilities of the Pinot winemaker. He has certainly succeeded, and Akrasia Cabernet Sauvignon is now featured on some very prestigious wine lists indeed.
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