BACK
93 Points | North Coast Wine Competition | April 2021
Tasting Notes
This high-elevation gem of a Cabernet tantalizes with a complex minerality in the nose. Wet granite and limestone meld with fresh violets and anise as the bouquet evolves. A rich, dense middle of blackberry compote and aromatic baking spices collide with cocoa notes. An expresso-like dry finish lingers for a long enjoyable closure.
Vintage Notes
2018 provided an ideal climate allowing time for the grapes to ripen to their optimum flavor structure. The year presented a fairly mild growing season with few heat spikes, inspiring winemakers to push harvest back a few weeks. This longer time on the vine was great for grapes and the mild temperatures kept the fruit from over-ripening. More than an inch of rain fell in early October in many locations, but there was little impact on the quality of the fruit. 2018 could be remembered as one of the longest and most desirable seasons in years, producing exceptional quality grapes throughout Sonoma County.
Vineyard Notes
We’ve sourced Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot from vineyards located 1,900 feet above Lake Sonoma in the Rockpile appellation, one of California’s newest and most admired appellations. With only about 160 planted acres, Rockpile is also one of the smallest AVAs in the United States. Climbing up the northern border of Dry Creek Valley, Rockpile’s high elevation, extreme terrain and unique climate make it an exceptional grape-growing region producing remarkable, concentrated fruit.
Winemaker Notes
All grapes are gently de-stemmed before cold-soaking for two days to extract optimal color and flavor. The fruit is fermented in separate lots, allowing each lot to be individually and distinctly crafted before being aged in French oak barrels, 55% new. The wine is kept in barrel for 20 months before final blending.
WINEMAKER
COLLECTION
GRAPE VARIETIES
9% Petit Verdot
ALCOHOL
CASES PRODUCED
AGING
Bottling Date
Barrel
Related Products, Recipes & Trade Tools
Accolades
93 Points & Gold Medal | North Coast Wine Competition
91 Points | Tasting Panel Magazine
91 Points & Gold Medal | Sommelier's Choice
Accolades
95 Points | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | May 2018
93+ Points | Jeb Dunnuck | June 2018
91 Points | The Wine Advocate | May 2018
Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | May 2018
Best of Class | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | May 2018
Accolades
95+ | Jeb Dunnuck | June 2018
90+ | The Wine Advocate | August 2018
Accolades
98 points | Double Gold | Best of Class | Sunset International Wine Competition
Accolades
90+ Points | Jeb Dunnuck | June 2019
90 Points | Wine Advocate Tasting | Apr 2019
90 Points | Decanter Magazine | Sep 2020
Double Gold Medal | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2020
Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | Apr 2019
Accolades
94 Points | Harvest Challenge | Nov 2018
91 Points | Wine Advocate | Dec 2019
Double Gold Medal | Harvest Challenge | Nov 2018
Gold Medal | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2019
Best of Class | Harvest Challenge | Nov 2018
Accolades
93 Points & Gold Medal | Harvest Challenge
90 Points | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020
Gold Medal | Press Democrat North Coast Challenge | July 2020