Tech Notes
Yield: 2.1 tons per acre
Harvest: September 26th-October 25th
Numbers @ Harvest: 23.5 Brix, 3.5 pH, 7.1 grams acidity
Cepage: 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet France, & 1.5% Petit Verdot
Barrel Regimen: French 50%; American 50%–1/2 new; aged 22 months in barrel
Bottling: August 2009; no fining or filtration
Alcohol: 13.5%
Tasting Notes
Release Date: Fall 2011
2007 was an historic drought year. Seventeen inches of rain fell, which was the lowest amount since 1977. I was expecting the worst but was pleasantly surprised that the vines grew normally and yielded the desired amount – just less than two tons per acre.
In the world of California Cabernet the 2007 vintage is gaining in reputation and for good reason. Moderate temperatures throughout the summer with a glorious cool, dry autumn ripened the late-season Sauvignon completely without becoming overripe.
From the October 2011 issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine comes this review and 98 points:
“Open every stop on your cabernet church organ: Pure cassis. Mountain freshness. Baking spice. The pencil lead of Graves in that less-than-overripe varietal character. This is unadulterated Cabernet pleasure, three words that have never come together in my mind before. …Between the cool site, the exceptional vintage and pedigree of the vines, this is a true California classic.”
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