Growing Conditions
2016 was one of the great vintages of the past decade. Generous winter rains brought much-needed rainfall to saturate the root zones and replenish reservoirs. Moderate temperatures and bright sunshine enabled the vines to thrive throughout the spring and summer, creating a balanced, optimal growing pace. Warm days and cool nights during harvest season allowed ripening to progress at an even pace, creating exceptionally deep color on late-ripening varietals such as Cabernet. The resulting wines show vivid, complex flavors, balanced acidity and tannins, and excellent freshness.
Winemaking
The 2016 Olema Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes hand selected off premier vineyards in Alexander Valley, Dry Creek and Rockpile in Sonoma County. This deeply flavored wine features layers of fruit and a long, intense finish.
This wine opens with deep aromas of fresh cassis, ripe plum, black cherry, blackberry and a hint of vanilla. The body is medium-full while the mouthfeel is dense with juicy dark fruit and grilled plum. The finish lengthens with dark chocolate, cranberry and herbal notes of thyme and mint.
Aging
Aged 14 months in 50% new French oak barrels
