Nose
Aromas of super-ripe blackberry, crème de cassis and espresso.
Palate
The mouth is very well structured, with firm, ripe, silky tannins. Generous in the mouth, with surprising balance, considering how big this wine is.
Growing Conditions
Cabernet vines at the Schmidt Ranch were naturally balanced in 2006, requiring almost no intervention on our part to adjust the canopy or the crop level. Ample rain over winter 2005-2006 gave the vines a strong, early budbreak. A moderately warm spring encouraged good early growth. Fruit development, from flowering through veraison, was very even. Heat spikes in late July and early August were tempered by cooler weather for final ripening. Conditions in October were perfect for harvesting the grapes precisely when flavor, acid and tannin ripeness dictated.
Bottling
May 2008
