Palate
Distinguishably incontestable and irrefutably the most complex, complete and compelling wine in the O’Brien Estate line, the 2018 Unrestrained Reserve, continues to stand proud and bring the best of what the vintage has to offer. Elegance and power, complex and expressive the Unrestrained Reserve seems to deliver all of the finest attributes available; penetrating floral, fruit, earth, wood and herb aromas, voluminous amounts of dark fruit, flavors and a full and satisfying structure that carries through the lasting finish.
Growing Conditions
February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near-ideal conditions for winemakers to allow their fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.
