Production Notes
Varietal Content: 78% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; Cooperage: 100% French oak, Chateau-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 83% new, 17% second vintage
Winemaker Notes
This concentrated, powerfully structured and age-worthy wine begins with dark cherry, raspberry, spearmint and cigar box aromas, accented by herbal hints and layers of vanilla and lead pencil shavings. On the full-bodied palate, black and red currant flavors mingle with elements of black licorice and dried herbs to create a complex and satisfying wine with firm tannins that will benefit from decanting or additional aging.
Production
The 2007 growing season began early and was unusually dry, with rainfall totals that were 50 percent below average. Cool spring weather continued into the summer with temperatures down by approximately 5 degrees from August through October. The cool, steady weather produced a long harvest spread out over 80 days. This relaxed pace allowed us to pick in multiple passes, ensuring ideal ripening and flavor development in the fruit.