Grand Reserve Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This Cabernet has distinct flavors of blackberry, blueberry, plus both red and black currants with enticing fragrances of mocha and nutmeg. Subtle notes of chocolate and toasty vanilla add to the richness and length of this bold Cab, and are accompanied by fine grained tannins on a lengthy finish.
Acclaim
2017 Vintage
91 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, December 2019
“Deep ruby-purple, it offers cassis, vanilla bean and sweet spices on the nose with cedar, coffee grounds and blue fruit sparks. Medium to full-bodied, it offers great intensity and a firm, chewy frame, with just enough freshness and an oak-laced finish.” -E.B., December 2019
Winemaking
Aged for 18 months in 91% French oak (32% new) and 9% American oak. Pre-fermentation cold-soak adds layers of complexity by extracting a silkier tannin profile. Precision harvesting, sorting, de-stemming and pressing methods are utilized so the grapes are handled in the most delicate manner possible.
In 2018 we had a very pleasant growing season; it was long and certainly warm enough to ripen the fruit fully. The winemaking team loves vintages with rich fruit character and balanced acidity.
Vineyards
Grapes are sourced from lower-yielding, higher-elevation, estate blocks and vineyards. Roughly 70% of the wine is from the same vineyard blocks year-to-year, ensuring greater consistency and enhanced complexity with each vintage. All our estate vineyards are certified sustainable by the CCSW (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing) and SIP (Sustainability in Practice) programs.
