Grapes: 74% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot
Region: Rutherford Estate Vineyard, Dollarhide Estate Vineyard, Napa Valley.
Winemaker’s Notes: This wine presents with deep shades of reds and purples. Aromas of dark fruit, blackberry and black plum combine with elements of espresso, vanillin and molasses, as well as notes of smoky oak and dusty terroir. Flavors of dark plum and cassis follow with anise and toasted barrel attributes. This red blend offers a finely textured silky structure with density and a graceful appeal.
Vintage: Despite good rainfall in December of 2014, January and February of 2015 brought warm, spring-like daytime temperatures with minimal precipitation. Little rain was recorded in March and April and as the temperatures cooled, the fruit set slowly over three weeks.May stayed warm and we experienced significant hot spells in June, July and August. Harvest kicked off on September 4 and while yields were light, the quality of our fruit was terrific. In the cool morning hours, the grapes were harvested by hand and brought to the winery where they were hand sorted. 3% of the sorted berries were placed directly into new French Oak barrels where they went through natural fermentation. The barrels were hand rolled six times a day to encourage cap maceration and extraction from the berries. After fermentation, the wine remained on the skins for an extended maceration and barrel integration. Once complete, the wine was drained and the skins removed. The drained wine then returned to the same barrel to age for 19 months.
Analysis: Alcohol 14.5%, pH 3.58, acidity 6.4 g/L.
