Nose
With great complexity, the wine expresses aromas of fresh boysenberry, blackberry pie, Bing cherry, dark chocolate, chocolate berry truffle dusted with cocoa powder, all integrated with the spicy sweetness of oak, cedar, cinnamon, clove and a hint of black pepper.
Palate
The body is very full with a soft entry, coupled with dark cherry/berry flavors that develop from start to finish. With great texture and mouthfeel, this cabernet is full-bodied, rich and opulent. In one word....delicious.
Growing Conditions
This growing season was ideal and some would venture to say.... “perfect”. With textbook conditions for spring bud break, the vines continued steady growth over the spring, flowering and fruit set. Classic weather promoted a very even set of fruit that was abundant but not over cropped. The long summer days brought a normal veraison, initiating the long ripening period that achieved our goals before the fall rains. Harvest was a winemaker’s dream.
Harvest
Various dates between 9/14-11/2, averaging roughly 24.5° Brix, the majority of the fruit was harvested in October
Bottling
March–April 2015
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermenters at 75-86° for 10-28 days skin contact
Aging
Barrels: 86% French Oak, 32% new and 14% American Oak, 8% new Cooperage: predominantly World Cooperage Aged in Barrels: 25.4 months
Appearance
From a wonderfully abundant vintage with exceptional quality, this Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend from over 20 + vineyards using all 5 Bordeaux varietals. Selecting from all over the Napa Valley, we were truly kids in a candy store in creating this 2012 cabernet with its’ youthful dark ruby color.
