Send in the clones- Fred McMillin Cabernet Sauvignon Article

Send in the clones
William Jarvis, with consulting winemaker Dimitri Tchelistcheff, has made a study of 14 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon from the United States, France, Argentina, Germany, Australia, and Italy. (A clone is a single “mother vine” and has distinctive characteristics from other clones.) Of the clones, the French INRA 5197 gave the lowest yield (3.28 tons per acre) and the highest quality.
Hence the winery converted all its Cabernet Sauvignon to INRA 5197 in 1994. So it’s no surprise that in four of my classes at San Francisco City College (Fort Mason campus), Jarvis Cabernet Sauvignons have ranked number one twice, and come in second and third once, against 96 rivals.
The four Jarvis Cabs all scored above 90 points. To obtain a jaw-dropping Cabernet Sauvignon from Jarvis winery, call 800-255-5280, fax 707-255-5282 (fax), or e-mail info@jarvis wines.com.

A final wine smile

This wine column is free including shipping and handling.

Credits: Edgar Vogt (tastings); Ophie Mercado and Ruby Dequis (statistics)

Fred McMillin was voted one of the best wine writers in the United States by the Academy of Wine Communications. Phone him with questions at 415-563-5712.