2008 Cabernet Sauvignon

Vintage

The 2008 vintage was one of the most challenging with frost, drought, heat waves and wildfires. While the wildfires did not affect Cabernet Sauvignon, the frost, drought and heat waves led to a lower than usual crop, with small concentrated berries and an earlier than normal harvest in late September. The wonderful results were worth all of the scary moments.

Vinification

The grapes came from the upper block at the top of the site. Two-thirds of the grapes were crushed to a tank and fermented on the skins for 21 days. The cap was gently pumped over with a "sprinkler" twice a day. The other third was fermented in open-top fermenters and punched down twice a day. The wines were pressed off and then put in Taransaud French oak barrels, 40% new, and aged for 22 months before bottling unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes

The color is a characteristic deep ruby purple. The wine presents classic aromas of black currant, blackberry, cherry and vanilla with notes of tobacco, earth, licorice and mint. Strikingly structured while being soft and approachable. The long finish is accentuated by cherry and spice. The structure allows the wine to stand up on its own and pair wonderfully with food. It will easily allow aging for 12-15 years.

Technical Information

Harvest Date: September 26, 2008, Sugar: 25.3 degrees Brix, Titratable Acidity: 5.9 g/l, pH: 3.62, Alcohol: 14.5%, Cases produced: 401.

pdf version