Nose
Fruit aromas of raspberry and plum are joined by aromatic notes of vanilla, nutmeg, and cedar cigar box.
Palate
The mouth feel is full bodied with rich tannins and flavors of tart Morello Cherries finished with a hint of mint.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 growing season began with a cool and dry spring that gave way to a warm and mild summer. The vines had a light crop load which added intensity to the flavor of the fruit.
Harvest
We harvested our Artist Series grapes at the peak of ripeness as the weather began to cool in October.
Bottling
Bottled May 2011.
Winemaking
The grapes were gently crushed and fermented in stainless steel tanks at moderate temperatures, with careful attention to flavor and tannin development. The finished wines were then settled for clarity and racked off their lees into a careful selection of barrels. After 27 months of oak aging, the very best lots were identified with regard to flavor, balance and ageability, and blended to create this exceptional wine. After bottling, the Artist Series Cabernet Sauvignon received an additional year and a half of aging before being released.
Aging
27 months in French and American oak barrels.
