Nose
Our 2011 vintage exudes aromas of blackberry and allspice
with an underlying layer of thyme.
Palate
This full to medium bodied
wine showcases flavors of toasted oak and jam that dance on
the palate with just a touch of tobacco. Evolved tannins and
perfect acidity lead way for a long, velvety finish.
Growing Conditions
Nestled within the Mayacamas Range, the mountain side
vineyard that this wine is harvested from benefits from the
direct sunlight and well-drained, volcanic soils. This 100%
Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic expression of Mt. Veeder and
displays the signature structured fruit, bold tannins and rich
flavors that are associated with the region.
2011 was as challenging as it was educational. The
precipitation totals for the season found the region more
than a third above normal in rainfall, and while this was
good news for water resources, the cloud cover and cool
temperatures delayed vine development by several weeks at
the onset of the growing season. Despite this, we found that
the flavors from this vintage developed at lower brix, giving
us the opportunity to make truly elegant wines at lower
alcohol levels.
Winemaking
The grapes were fermented on the skins for 25 days with
pumpovers twice daily.
Aging
After fermentation, the wine was
gently pressed, racked and aged for 18 months in French
oak barrels, 45% new French Oak. Tightly grained, French
oak barrels from forests in the center of France impart their
oak on wines slowly for a consistent, well-rounded aging
process while yielding subtle oak influences to the Cabernet
Sauvignon.
