2016 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate Grown

• Varieties:
  90% Cabernet Sauvignon
  5% Merlot
  5% Tannat
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles
• Average brix at harvest:
  24.2
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.3%
• Acidity:
  0.66 g/100ml
• pH:
  3.55
• Residual sugar:
  0.02g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  March 29, 2019
• Cases produced:
  299
• Retail Price:
  $ 28.00

Growing conditions:
Winter rainfall improved but 2016 featured another early budbreak and horrific frost in late March with whites and early reds losing significant crop resulting in early, smaller harvest with excellent quality due to the miniscule crop from on-going drought and frost.

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 15 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this cabernet sauvignon was aged for 27 months in French and Hungarian oak then blended with 5% Merlot & 5% Tannat 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 2023-2028.

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