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BACK
  • 2018

Cabernet Sauvignon

  • Rockpile

93 Points | North Coast Wine Competition | April 2021

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile

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.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Rockpile
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WINEMAKER

Chris Louton

COLLECTION

Artisan Collection

GRAPE VARIETIES
91% Cabernet Sauvignon
9% Petit Verdot
ALCOHOL
15.1 %
CASES PRODUCED
815
AGING
20 Months
Bottling Date
Nov 2020
Barrel
French Oak, 55% New

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Accolades

93 Points & Gold Medal | North Coast Wine Competition
91 Points | Tasting Panel Magazine
91 Points & Gold Medal | Sommelier's Choice

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90+ Points | Jeb Dunnuck | June 2019
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Double Gold Medal | San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition | Jan 2020
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