Palate

This wine shows the earthiness of Cabernet Franc and the polish of Cabernet Sauvignon. This fruit forward wine has aromas and flavors dark cherry, cassis, tobacco and dark chocolate, finishing with a delight spice of pink peppercorns. The soft oak flavors and tannins are well integrated. Drinkable upon release. Age worthy for another decade or more. We expect the ’06 vintage to be a long-lived wine.

Growing Conditions

The Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the family’s organically grown O’Connell Family Estate Vineyard. The fruit from this block is prized for its ability to harmonize the flavor components of a wine into a seamless integrated tasting experience- smooth and elegant in the mouth. The Cabernet Franc comes from Pope Valley, where optimum ripening brings out the rich earthiness of the varietal.

The 2006 vintage has intensity and concentration of fruit due to the long, late season that resulted from cooler-than-normal, but even temperatures during September and October.

Aging

48 months in new French Oak of medium toast

Food Pairing

If you like Cabernet and Chocolate- this is your wine! Great with all cuts of beef- grilled or roasted and classic dishes of Beef Stroganoff and Boeuf Bourgogne.