Wine Notes
Vintage:
2020
Appellation:
Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley
Vineyards:
The wine is made from two distinct vineyard sites. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% from the Newton Vineyard on Mt. Veeder at about 1,000’. This ranch has multiple exposure aspects but are predominantly south and west, the best for maturing Bordeaux reds. The soils are uplifted sedimentary clays from the SF Bay.
Our second vineyard for the Malbec and Petit Verdot is in Yountville, mid-Napa Valley, having alluvial soils and a warm Region II climate. The Malbec adds color, dense black fruit with lush round tannins. The Petit Verdot adds color, high-tone perfume aromatics, and round texture.
Vintage Notes:
The winter of 2020 yielded only about 20” of rain, half of normal but enough to fill reservoirs and provide adequate irrigation. Spring weather at flowering was mild, allowing a “normal’ fruit set. Summer weather was also mild. Veraison (color change) started “on time” around August 10th. Harvest was earlier than normal.
Fermentation & Aging:
The Cabernet grapes were harvested on September 25th. The sugar was 26.5° Brix. The acid was 4.5 grams/liter and the pH was 3.71. The must was sorted, removing “stem jacks”. Fermentation was done in stainless steel tanks. The must was pumped over until a cap formed, then sprinkle irrigated for the balance of fermentation. Pressing was gentle, using a tank press. The barrel regime was 100% French, 35% new oak, all tight grain. Malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel. The wines were blended in December 2022 and allowed to marry. The wine was bottled in February of 2023.