Winemaker's Notes
This brawny cabernet with gobs of concentration is a blend of the four Napa Valley cabernet vineyards from which we also produce single vineyard wines-Hyde, Stagecoach, Dr. Crane, and To Kalon-and a small amount of merlot from the Michael Black Vineyard.
It shows an exquisite deep red/black in the glass, and the nose offers rich aromas of opulent dark fruit and roasted coffee with deftly applied toasty oak. This immense wine harmoniously reveals many layers on the palate including a core of decadent chocolate, black stone fruit and cassis with notes of cigar and graphite. Well-proportioned and rich with sweet and chewy tannins, it boasts complexity and muscularity with an enduring finish. Aged 21 months in French oak, 64% new.
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 17 – October 22
Harvest Brix
25.5° – 27°
Growing Season
The growing season was comprised of cool spring weather followed by moderate temperatures throughout summer. Consistent work in the vineyard was required to maximize sun exposure and encourage full flavor development in the fruit. Much needed hot weather in mid-September secured an excellent harvest.
Winemaking
• Hand-harvested grapes • Fermented in 5-8 ton closed-top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts • 4-7 day cold soak, average 29 days total maceration • Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels ; 5 to 6 months completion • Aged 21 months in oak barrels (90% French; 10% American); 74% new • Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 94% / Merlot 6% • Unfined and unfiltered; bottled July 2005
