Unmistakably a Cabernet Sauvignon with bright fruit on the nose and an acid-driven palate with structured tannins.
Vineyard Notes: The Watts Vineyard in Lodi provides great terroir for a Cabernet Sauvignon as it is farther from any moderating aquatic influence, providing fruit with richer texture & a perfumed headiness.
Cellar Notes: All of the Cabernet Sauvignon was destemmed to stainless steel where it saw twice-daily pumpovers throughout fermentation. It was then pressed off skins at dryness & racked to neutral oak barrels for elevage after several days of settling. Before bottling, a small amount of Merlot & Syrah were blended into the wine to add to the mid-palate & smooth out tannic structure.
Tasting Notes: Unmistakably Cabernet Sauvignon, the nose begins with cherry & cranberry fruits, some eucalyptus & an herbal bay leaf quality. On the palate it is soft, smooth & dense, with bright acid-driven fruit, structured tannins & subtle cedar notes on the finish.