Urban Legend Cellars Cheval di Acier 2013
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Cheval d'Acier literally translates from French as “horse of steel.” It's a tribute not only to the great reds of Northern France but also to our Oakland roots: the steel container cranes that line Oakland's working waterfront whose equine outlines loom large in the view from Urban Legend Cellars' winery.
Blend: 66.67% Merlot, 16.67% Cabernet Franc, 16.67% Petit Verdot
We've never been shy about disruption. Throughout our careers, we've introduced technologies that no one ever thought would work—and changed the world. When we wanted to drink wines that were perfect complements to our local food—diverse flavors, honest ingredients, a sophisticated yet approachable style—we said: "We'll have to make them ourselves, We'll make them where the food is created—in the city, and let’s do it together!" It's not a traditional strategy—just a very American one.
Today, we hand craft more than a dozen Urban Legend wines that each, uniquely, salutes the varied flavors of California and our home: Oakland, America's most diverse city. Critics and consumers alike are impressed with our fidelity to variety, our expression of place, our food-friendly style, and our absolute consistency of quality—from our very first release and forward.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.