Nose
has rich, ripe cherry, cassis and blackberry
fruit aromas.
Palate
Soft tannins and sweet oak combine with a gentle hint of pepper and
spice to yield a full-bodied wine with excellent balance and a long lingering finish. The
different Cabernet clones give the wine a multi-layered dimension to the palate. The
long growing season at the Truchard Vineyard in the cool Carneros district yields
grapes with deep color and great natural acidity. The Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard
on the Conn Creek alluvial fan adjacent to Caymus in Rutherford delivers classic midvalley
fruit and supple tannins and “Rutherford Dust” earth flavors. The Petit Verdot
adds depth to the color and a tannic richness, while the Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet
franc bring softness, acidity and fruit respectively.
Growing Conditions
The 2007 growing season was a wonderful year for grape growing. Overall, it was very dry and cool. Winter
temperatures were warmer than normal into spring resulting in earlier budding, bloom and set in the vineyards
across all varieties. Few days in summer topped 100 degrees, with fewer days in the 90s than normal. This meant
less irrigation, allowing the grapes to mature naturally and slowly. A brief heat spike around Labor Day added the
boost of sugar development that growers were looking for to complement the excellent acid. Harvest commenced in
mid-August and was evenly paced. With wines of incredible intensity and concentration, 2007 looks to be the best
vintage in many years.
Appearance
deep ruby in color
