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98 points | Double Gold | Best of Class | Sunset International Wine Competition
Tasting Notes
This wine unveils rich aromas of espresso, chocolate, and freshly baked graham crackers in the nose. The warm, west-facing vineyards infuse charismatic flavors of blueberry-custard and sarsaparilla in the mid-palate, while soft, age-worthy tannins reveal delicate vanilla notes and a hint of toasted cedar in the bold, lengthy finish, accompanied by nuances of bittersweet cocoa and a cool graphite acidity.
Vintage Notes
The 2021 growing season saw near-perfect growing conditions. With minimal winter rain, the vines were awakened with ideal moderate springtime temperatures, eliminating any frost threat to the developing buds. At most sites, fruit set was during the optimal timeframe due to warm, consistent conditions. Veraison occurred 7-10 days earlier than in previous years due to the temperate weather and minimal rain. Moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights throughout the summer months, with a few of the regular short-lived heat spikes, allowing for excellent flavor development. The year saw an early harvest, with 90% of the region’s grapes being picked before the late Fall.
Vineyard Notes
The fruit for this robust Cabernet Sauvignon comes from one of Sonoma’s newest American Viticultural Areas (AVA), Moon Mountain District of Sonoma County. This striking region is lauded for its high-elevation vineyards and rugged, volcanic soil. Rising from 400 to 2200 feet on the western side of the Mayacamas, the Moon Mountain District has thin, fast-draining soil and hot, dry summer days, ideal conditions to grow deeply colored grapes with intense, concentrated flavors.
Winemaker Notes
The grapes underwent a two-day cold soak to extract optimal color and flavor, and each individual component was fermented separately to optimize structure and tannin integration. Secondary, malolactic fermentation occurred in French oak barrels, 58% new, followed by 15 months of aging before final blending and bottling.
