Vineyard: We selected barrels from four of our vineyards for this Bordeaux-style bottling. 44% is Cabernet Sauvignon from George’s and Lone Oak, 44% Cabernet Franc from Francville, plus 12% Merlot from Finley.
Vintage: The rainy season was dryer than normal with approximately 24 inches of rain that ended by March. This was followed by temperatures in high 80's during the last two weeks of March which stimulated early vineyard growth and budbreak. The season then cooled down through April and May. We had some heat spikes in August and again in September, but the overall temperature was generally cooler than average. All the components of a great growing season! Harvest & Cellar: The grapes were picked by hand in multiple lots, destemmed, and fermented in small lots with hand punch down four times a day. After pressing, the wine went through malolactic fermentation and 22 months of barrel aging. The final assemblage was made in November 2005 and the wine was bottled in July of 2006.
Tasting Notes: This wine pours a dark ruby in the glass. The bouquet of plums, blueberries, and dark cherries carries a touch of cedar, as well. Cherries and a mixture of berries grace the palate, along with cassis notes and red-fleshed plums laced with a note of cedar. The finish is soft and pleasant, easing into a supple feeling of contentment!
The 2004 rainy season was dryer than normal with approximately 24 inches of rain than ended by March. This was followed by temperatures in high 80's during the last two weeks of March that stimulated early vineyard growth and budbreak. The season then cooled down through April and May. We had some heat spikes in August and again in September, but the overall temperature was generally cooler than average. All the components of a great growing season.