Harvest

Above average spring temperatures benefited grape flowering, resulting in very uniform set and berry development. As the hot weather continued during the mid-summer months, we applied careful canopy management to ensure ideal shade for the young clusters. While warm September weather resulted in a relatively compressed pick, the early harvest also ensured that all of our fruit arrived in pristine condition before any late-season rain or frost. A near-perfect growing season for Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2014 vintage yielded wines with excellent acidity, lovely weight and polish, and ripe, supple tannins.

Winemaking

This fragrant wine begins with alluring aromas of blackberry, plum and mountain huckleberry intermingled with brighter notes of Bing cherry and ripe wild strawberry. As it evolves in the glass, layers of anise and sarsaparilla are revealed, alongside hints of caramel and espresso from barrel aging. On the palate, the entry is supple, weighty and rounded, with deliciously ripe tannins and juicy acidity coming together to create a classically structured Cabernet. Underscoring its lush character and fruit intensity is a lovely freshness that carries the wine to a bright, lingering finish.

Aging

Cooperage 18 months in barrel 99% French oak, 1% American 40% new, 60% neutral