Nose
Aromas offer intense black cherry and chocolate character.
Palate
The richness on the palate is nothing short of viscous, a seriously extracted Cabernet. Flavors will last on the palate longer than the attention span of most of us. Prepare for a thorough staining of the teeth with this Reserve Cab!
Growing Conditions
There are often vintages on Spring Mountain that require hang-time well into the month of November for the late ripening Cabernet grapes to achieve their optimal development. However, in the 1997 season we enjoyed an early bud-break and this brought the ripening season upon us in mid-October. This being a considerably warmer month than November, there wasn’t an unripe Cabernet grape on the entire mountain in ’97.
As with the Merlot lots for the Reserve Claret, most of the lots were candidates for the blend. The younger Carolyn’s Vineyard with its 337 clone has become the favorite and contributes greatly. The eastern edge of the Rock Arch Vineyard with its leaner soils breeds intensity of color and depth of body as well.
Bottling
Bottled: Nov. 1999.
Winemaking
Even the wimpiest lot was a color monster, staining the stainless steel hopper upon contact. This was a fast and furious crush with inspiring wines from the start.
Aging
Cooperage: French Oak.
Appearance
The color is dark as ink.
