2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

The 2018 Vintage:  With abundant rains in the winter, followed by plenty of filtered light in the spring and early summer, the 2018 vintage saw near perfect growing conditions. Bud break occurred a bit late, but yielded a very even fruit set with such moderate temperatures. Summer brought bright sun and cool evenings for lovely extended ripening and consistency into the fall.

Winemaking:  These grapes were hand-harvested in October at 26 degrees Brix. The grapes were picked cool, at 50 degrees F gently destemmed, cold soaked for 5 days to assist with extraction of skin tannins, color and bright fruit, then fermented in one ton open top small lot fermenters.  The fermentation was carefully hand-punched down a couple times a day on phenolic development until dry. The wine was pressed to barrels. Each barrel was hand racked and bottled with techniques that ensure maximum protection for aging cellar-worthy collector caliber wines. 

Tasting notes:  This lush medium to full bodied Cabernet Sauvignon has ample layers of bright fruits including black berries, plums, cherries with hints of dark chocolate and toasted cedar.  It has nice structure, tannins and is a well-balanced wine with a long, enjoyable finish.