2020 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vintage     Following a reasonably cool and temperate growing season, an August heatwave accelerated ripening, resulting in a slightly earlier start to harvest than normal. Our Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard blocks set crops of an average size, and yielded fruit with excellent concentration, natural acidity, balance, and pure varietal flavors.  We began harvesting our Cabernet Sauvignon on September 26th and were finished by October 1st with brix ranging from 24.4˚ to 25.6˚.

Winemaking   Our Cabernet harvest resulted in seven individual native fermentations (no addition of commercial yeast) in a mix of open-top and closed-top tanks. In the closed-top tanks, the must was pumped-over, which added to palate texture; while the open-top tanks had a punch-down regimen, which retained fruit intensity. The wine was racked to 50% new French oak and underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Each lot was aged separately for 18 months before blending, barrel by barrel, into tank just prior to bottling.

The Wine         The 2020 vintage presented us with a wonderfully structured, yet delicate Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with superb aromas of ripe plum, licorice, currant, and blackberry pie. The palate offers a plush texture, seamlessly integrated oak and dusty tannins that add definition to the rich flavors of dark berries and crème de cassis, as well as layers of sweet oak and spice. Ample natural acidity provides length and freshness on the finish. 

Technical  Notes       

Alcohol:                    14.5%             

Composition:            94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot

pH:                            3.75    

Total Acidity:           6.0 g/l 

Production:               240 cases

Release Date:            Fall 2023

Bottled:                     June 2022

Suggested Retail:      $50.00