Description

VINEYARD NOTES
We continue to work closely with our favorite local growers throughout the Napa Valley. The majority of the Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Ink Grade (on the back side of Howell Mountain), which provides the framework and structure to carry this wine. To balance out the blend, we incorporated vineyards from Pope Valley, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll, and Carneros, all of which complement the abundance of tannin, color and structure already in place. This diversity and range within Napa Valley has allowed us to craft a wine which showcases the unique Napa Valley terroir in an approachable, elegant style.

HARVEST
The year began with an abundance of rain, followed by a mellow spring resulting in a good berry set with little shatter. An early September heat wave jump-started the beginning of harvest, followed by cool weather which allowed additional hang time and phenolic ripeness while sugar levels remained stable. Most of the fruit was picked in mid to late September, making it one of the earliest vintages on record.

FERMENTATION & AGING
Fermentation took place in small fully jacketed stainless steel fermenters after a 48-hour cold soak at 55°F. The stainless steel fermenters showcase the purity of the fruit while preserving the freshness and allowing the terroir to shine. Maceration lasted 6-12 days at a maximum temperature of 92°F. Malolactic fermentation took place in barrel and finished up in late winter. The wine was aged in 50% new oak barrels and 50% one-fill oak barrels with minimal racking for 18 months before bottling.

IMPRESSIONS
Brings beautiful ripeness with elegant tannins, depth and complexity, delivering notes of red cherries, blueberries, currants, forest floor, mocha, cocoa powder and crushed rocks. Bright acidity adds freshness and verve to the multi-dimensional mouthfeel leading into the long persistent finish.