In certain years the grapes achieve a quality level that warrants a reserve bottling. We take the best lots of our Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot and make a barrel selection to create our Reserve wine. The resulting wines 
are given an extra year in barrels further softening the tannins and fruit flavors, before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The grapes for our 2004 Reserve come from vineyards in the Rutherford and Chiles Valley appellations, with the Cabernet Franc hailing from Red Mountain. Using traditional techniques; whole berry fermentations, hand punch-downs, indigenous yeast and basket pressing, we are able to capture the pure essence of the varietals without manipulation.
Our Reserve wine is densely packed with dark fruits and an earthy texture typical of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Full of plum blossom, candied violets and “sous bois, the nose is brooding and intense while exhibiting feminine elegance. Black cherry, plum, cassis and cacao explode on the palate while Cabernet Franc lends a slight earthiness to the lengthy finish. The Reserve is a wine that benefits from decanting when young and will reward with cellaring.
Our Reserve wine is densely packed with dark fruits and an earthy texture typical of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Full of plum blossom, candied violets and “sous bois, the nose is brooding and intense while exhibiting feminine elegance. Black cherry, plum, cassis and cacao explode on the palate while Cabernet Franc lends a slight earthiness to the lengthy finish. The Reserve is a wine that benefits from decanting when young and will reward with cellaring.
Reserve 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley
The Philippe-Lorraine wines combine the best of the new world with a style that is decidedly old world, to create a sensational Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. Phil Baxter Senior mastered his style in the late 1970s while crafting 
some of the best wines in the Napa Valley. This respect for elegance and balance has continued in the style of his son, Phil Jr., who has now taken over winemaking for the family business. The grapes come from the vineyards in the Oakville, Chiles Valley and Rutherford appellations within Napa Valley. Using traditional techniques; whole berry fermentations, hand punch-downs, indigenous yeast and basket pressing, we are able to capture the pure essence of the varietals without manipulation. The resulting wine is richly layered with bright fruit and smooth tannins. The nose is full of black cherries and coffee, while lingering floral notes of violets and rose petal bring an elegant bouquet. On the palate, the smooth red fruit is brimming with brightness. Fresh cherries, red currants and cassis mix seamlessly with heavier flavors or coffee, cocoa, graphite and tobacco. The finish is long and smooth, with a freshness that speaks of the finesse and delicate side of Cabernet Sauvignon.
© 2010 - 2020 Baxter Winery
Phil Baxter Sr began the Philippe-Lorraine label back in 1989, fourteen years before he was joined in business by Phil Baxter Jr for the creation of the ‘Baxter label’. These classic wines pay homage to his maternal grandparents of French origin: Philippe and Lorraine Segrais, pictured above.