Nose
With great complexity, the Rutherford CS expresses aromas of black fruit, Bing cherry, dark chocolate, red raspberry, green olive, tobacco, 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 with great depth.
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 9/14-10/18, averaging roughly 24.7° Brix, the majority of the fruit was harvested in October.
Bottling
March–April 2015
Winemaking
Stainless steel fermenters at 75-86°
Aging
Barrels: 49% French Oak, 41% new and 51% American Oak, 82% new Cooperage: Marchive & World CooperageAged in Barrels: 24.6 months
