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The Vineyard
Approximately 9.9 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were planted in the southwest section of the winery’s Estate Vineyard in 1996. The vineyard is located in South Monterey County’s Lockwood Valley, a coastal valley on the western Santa Lucia Mountain Range a short 14 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard’s southwest location brings warmer daytime temperatures with diurnal temperature variations exceeding 50 degrees throughout the growing season. This ensures the balance of acidity in the ripe, full development of fruit. An ideal coarse, gravely loam soil with low moisture levels enable controlled water management practices early season, ultimately resulting in intense, vibrant fruit on the vine. Small berry clusters and deep varietal character are a result of the vineyard’s unique climate, where we thin the crop load to under 2 tons to the acre. Planted on its own roots in 1996, only 4.9 acres of the Cabernet Sauvignon block was hand harvested for this Private Reserve wine.
The Vintage
2001 presented near perfect growing conditions, above average yields and superb sugar/acid balances. An early spring, followed by lots of heat in May and June established the canopy early. A long, cool summer allowed for slow maturing, and continued through harvest ultimately resulted in uniform grape development, balanced flavor and long hang time for the fully matured fruit clusters. An unusual year with a nice, successful finish. Harvest date: September 5, 2001
Winemaking Notes
One hundred percent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were crushed for minimal maceration and inoculated with Pris de Mousse yeast to maintain many of the fruit components. Fermented warm up to 85 degrees, the juice was pumped over 2 times daily to increase the color and tannin extract in the wine. At dryness, the wine was pressed off and allowed to settle until completion of malolactic fermentation. Aged in 100% new French Nevers oak barrels from cooper Nadalie. Racked annually, and aged for 30 months.
Tasting Notes
Complex and robust with moderate tannins to balance bold. ripe fruit. Black currant, jammy blackberry and cassis aromas complement lingering sweet oak and smoky coffee flavors. This full-bodied wine shows deep texture through a smooth finish. Will age nicely for up to twenty years.
Wine Statistics
Varietal Composition- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation- Monterey County
Harvest Date- September 5, 2001
Brix at Harvest- 25.5
Barrel Aged- 30 months
Cooperage- French, Nevers
Age of Oak- 100% new
Total Acidity- 0.67g/100ml
pH- 3.62
Alcohol- 13.2%
Production- 312 6-packs
