2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Steffensen Vineyard, Coombsville

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:  The grapes were hand-harvested in passes at dawn in October at 26 Brix. The grapes were picked cool at 47 F, destemmed, cold soaked 5 days to gently optimize extraction of tannins, color and fresh fruit, then fermented in small lot 3/4 ton open top fermenters. The grapes were punched down by hand two to three times a day until dry. The wine was pressed to barrels Each barrel was hand racked three times and bottled with techniques that ensure maximum protection for aging cellar-worthy collector caliber wines.

Tasting notes:  The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon is intense yet fresh with juicy blue and black berries. Dark chocolate mixed with dried herbs that seduces the palate, while silky bold tannins and great acidity lead to a layered and lingering finish. Classic Bordeaux-styled collector's Napa Cabernet that softens as it ages.