Nose
Big aromas of dark cherry, tobacco and
mocha.
Palate
Intensity and depth of flavor characterize a palate that seamlessly weaves assertive,
concentrated flavors of cassis and black plum with clean earth that carries through the mid‐
palate and is joined by balanced acidity on the finish. Tannins are bold, ripe, chewy and well
integrated.
Growing Conditions
2006 was slightly cooler overall than 2005 and began with delayed bud
break due to an unusually long, wet spring. Warmer, drier weather prevailed in May and
June. The crop set was smaller than that of 2005. A mid‐July heat spike accelerated ripening
through summer, helping compensate for the slow start to the growing season. Cooler
October weather offered extended hang time and allowed for a well‐paced harvest of
outstanding quality, with fruit boasting excellent density, aromatics and acidity.
Harvest
Hand‐harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled June 2008.
Winemaking
Fermented in small, closed‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
5‐day cold soak, 33 days total maceration
Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 20 months in French oak barrels; 95% new.
Appearance
This is a muscular, cabernet
sauvignon with a dense, black garnet hue.