Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc; Oak profile & aging 100% French Oak: 85% New, 15% Neutral, aged for 18 months
Winemaker Notes
Complex, concentrated and age-worthy, this stunning Cabernet offers sweet and savory aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate and Mission figs, along with sophisticated undercurrents of earthy truffle and black olives. On the palate, fine, dusty tannins and dark fruit flavors mingle with vibrant red berry layers and notes of plum cobbler, cedar and sage, driving the wine to a long, fascinating finish.
Production
For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.