Nose
The aromas of dark cherry, ripe Santa Rosa plum and black currant are integrated with the spicy sweetness of oak, cedar, cinnamon, and clove. With the subtle sweet aroma of dried figs, black pepper, dried herbs and dark chocolate, this wine has an abundance of complex aromas and flavors.
Palate
The body is very full with a soft entry, coupled with bright dark cherry/berry flavors that develop from start to finish. With great texture and mouth feel, this cabernet is full-bodied, rich and opulent. In one word....delicious.
Growing Conditions
The above average rainfall for the winter and spring left the precipitation totals more than a third above normal by the end of June. The cooler, wet spring delayed bloom and disrupted fruit set, resulting in shatter in parts of the region. The cooler-than-average growing season continued throughout summer resulting in a later-than-average harvest. The delayed maturity of the fruit, coupled with a few early autumn rain storms, made for a very challenging harvest season. With experience, we were able to overcome these obstacles, producing really fine wines expressing the aromas and flavors preserved by a cooler than average growing season.
Harvest
Various dates between 9/26-10/25, averaging roughly 23.4 degrees Brix, the majority of the fruit was harvested in October
Bottling
March 2014
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermenters at 75-86 deg for 10-28 days skin contact
Aging
Aging: barrel aged in 60 gallon barrelsBarrels: Approximately 40% new French oak (86% /French oak, 14% American oak)Cooperage: mixed, predominantly World Cooperage, Profiles 1,2,4,58,56,67,10,20,24,28, 100 and 105 Aged in Barrel: 18.5 months
Appearance
The 2011 cabernet has an opaque, youthful dark ruby color.
