Purple-plum color. Cedar box aromas frame ample perfumed black currant and berry fruit. Medium in body, balanced, the dark fruits sweeten up in the mouth. Mild tannins at the end make this a very friendly Cab for drinking over the next three years. BEST BUY
Wine Info
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The Barrel Selected label was introduced to the Chateau Julien wine portfolio in 1998. These wines typically have mild tannins and forward fruit, making them extremely food-friendly and approachable upon release. The Barrel Selected wines are aged in one-to-three year old French and American oak barrels, and have been awarded numerous value accolades over the years. Varietals include: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
THE VINEYARD
This wine was produced solely from grapes grown in the Monterey County appellation. Winemaker Bill Anderson recently expanded beyond our own vineyard to explore quality, diversity and unique varietal characteristics through additional local vineyard partnerships. Long term relationships based on nearly 30 years of local wine production has allowed Anderson the flexibility to draw from multiple sources to produce the best quality and value for our Barrel Selected wines. This Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested from vineyards in the warmer regions of south Monterey County, where warm daytime temperatures are followed by cool nights to ensure ripe fruit development and balanced acidity.
THE VINTAGE
It was an extremely dry year. Overall the yields were down about 10%, which is most likely due to the low availability of water in the soil profi le this year. (We received only 4” of rain when we normally receive about 13”). Reduced cluster weight can be an indication of increased flavor as the berries are smaller. We began harvest the 15th of August, with the red varieties starting the first week of September.
WINEMAKING NOTES
Slow fermented on the skins for two weeks and aged for 13 months in 1- and 2-year old French and American oak barrels.
TASTING NOTES
Soft blackberry fruit, dark chocolate and cherry aromas are highlighted by a nice hint of vanilla and spice. Well balanced with medium body and structure through a full, round finish.
Press
88 Best Buy
POINTS
"Spicy cassis jam and vanilla aromas with a tangy medium-to-full body and a tart apple and oak accent on the finish."
Wine Info
