2015 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

• Varieties:
  85% Cabernet Sauvignon
  10% Merlot
  5% Tannat
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles
• Average brix at harvest:
  24.5
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.6%
• Acidity:
  0.71 g/100ml
• pH:
  3.59
• Residual sugar:
  0.03 g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  September 22, 2017
• Cases produced:
  397
• Retail Price:
  $ 28.00

Growing conditions:
Challenging! 2015: Early budbreak and erratic temperature swings. No frost, but cool, windy weather during bloom led to shatter in many varieties. Early harvest with excellent quality due to tiny berry size, while yields were miniscule due to on-going drought and poor set.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested, then crushed into a stainless fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with FX-10 yeast then pumped over daily for 20 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this cabernet sauvignon was aged for 20 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Intense aromas of red plum, black cherry and dark chocolate with wisps of cinnamon are complimented by a background of subtle oak. Rich flavors with layers of large, soft tannins interlocking with complex oak tannins for a long, elegant finish.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable now, this Cabernet Sauvignon will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 4-8 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2021-2027.

Food selection:
This elegant wine will compliment a large array of food dishes but is best with filet, pork loin, and chocolate desserts.