Nose

Aromas of French raspberry hard candy meld
beautifully with the burnt sugar and toasted almond smells of toffee. Just
underneath lies an intriguing resinous note of fresh rosemary – a nod to the
cool vintage.

Palate

The mouth is lusciously rich and soft.

Growing Conditions

Like its big brother wine Merus, Altvs is produced from the same vineyard
sources using a combination of small tank and bin fermentations. Very hot
fermentations were employed for maximum extraction. All lots were basket
pressed and barrels were filled sequentially from tank and press to maximize
variability. Lots and barrels were selected for Altus at first and subsequent
rackings with an eye toward wines of great perfume and elegance.

96% Cabernet Sauvignon (Bennett and Tourmaline – Coombsville)
2% Petit Verdot (Vichy – Coombsville, Darms Lane – Yountville)
2% Merlot (Broken Rock – Soda Canyon)

Bottling

Altvs is bottled unfiltered.

Aging

26 months in 75% new French Oak