Nose
Blackberry and English tea aromas with hints of dark chocolate and espresso set the stage for the rich palate.
Palate
A full mouthfeel of dark fruit, clove spice and leafy characteristics accentuate this elegant Cabernet. The tannins are ripe and round, affording early drinkability. Loamy earth and mocha from the oak linger on the finish.
Growing Conditions
The Alexander Valley is located north of the town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. It is one of the warmer AVAs in the region making it the perfect spot for red Bordeaux grapes. 54% of the Cabernet came from Vimark, with 28% hailing from gravelly blocks with Clone #4, #6, #7, and #337 from the Lyon Vineyard. In addition, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot were added to the final blend.
Harvest
2014 was a long, mild vintage in the Alexander Valley. Bud break began in late March with fruit set in early May. Warm, dry summer months with no extreme heat spikes set the stage for a long growing season. Crop thinning in late August due to heavy cluster weight led into harvest in September.
Bottling
Bottling Date June 2016.
Winemaking
After a three-day cold soak, we crushed and fermented the grapes at relatively warm temperatures in stainless steel tanks. After pressing, each lot was blended or lightly egg-white fined to remove green tannins. The wine was aged for 14 months, primarily in new and one-year-old French oak barrels. A smaller percentage went into Hungarian and American oak. A portion of Malbec, Petit Verdot and Merlot was added during the first assemblage for balance, aromatics and flavor.
Aging
14 months in 50% new French and Hungarian oak barrels, and one-year-old French, Hungarian and American oak.
Appearance
A dense, ruby red color.
