Phil Schlein purchased his 48-acre Oakville property in 1977. The jewel of this property, Emilio's Terrace, a 4 1/2-acre 100% organic hillside vineyard was first planted with wine grapes in 1990. This planting represents the realization of the Schlein family's long-held dream of producing superior Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon. Phil views his property as a refuge from the hectic pace of everyday life, and he readily opens his Napa Valley sanctuary to family and friends eager to experience its tranquil beauty. It is, indeed, a rare weekend when there is no one visiting. He calls this his "little taste of heaven" and Phil believes that the warm and inclusive spirit encompassing his Oakville property contributes to the special character of Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. To Phil, the wine-like the property itself - is always best enjoyed when it's shared.
The first vintage of Emilio's Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve to be released was the 1996. The 1996 vintage, as well as the 1997 and 1998 vintages each consist of 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In 1999, we began adding a small percentage of grapes from our 1/2-acre hillside Merlot plot, planted next to the 4 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon vines.
The vines of Emilio's Terrace vineyard typically produce 500 to 700 cases of wine per vintage. While it is capable of producing nearly1000 cases per year, our winemaker Joe Cafaro chooses to limit the crop by thinning out the grape clusters, (called "dropping fruit"). By reducing the yield, only the best clusters of fruit remain to receive a larger share of the vine's nourishing energy. This results in a greater concentration of flavors, adding dimension, depth of character and increasing the wine's longevity.
