Production Notes
Varietal Content: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 40% New, 60% Second Vintage
Winemaker Notes
The aromas offer intense layers of dark briar fruit complemented by creamy mocha, clove, vanilla and a hint of Chinese allspice. The flavors fill the palate with layers of Bing cherry, plum, cranberry, cola and cedar, as well as more woodsy elements. The oak is elegantly integrated, and creamy tannins frame the wine’s rich, fruit finish.
Production
Though the 2008 growing season presented certain challenges—from early frosts to drought conditions—a meticulous approach to viticulture and sorting yielded small crops with good concentration, highlighting soft, appealing tannins for our red varietals and bright acidity for our white grapes. A long, moderately cool summer led to a harvest that commenced in mid-August and concluded in early November. This relatively relaxed pace allowed us to pick in numerous passes to ensure quality, often focusing on individual rows or a single side of the vines.