Wines - 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford

An exceptional benchland vineyard in the Rutherford appellation produces intensely concentrated grapes for this wine. Planted at the foot of a steep canyon on the western hills of Rutherford, the rocky and loamy soils were formed by eons of erosion from the mountains above. The aspect, climate, and soils combine to create a classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon with incredible concentration, texture, and structure.

Hand harvested in the cool early morning hours, the fruit was immediately subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process, including our innovative optical sorter, to eliminate less-than-perfect berries. The selected fruit was delivered gently to tank via gravity by our crane system, retaining perfect, whole berries. Cold soaks lasted approximately five days, and a combination of délestage and pump overs managed fermentations. Extended maceration, ranging from three to four weeks, fine-tuned tannin profiles, allowing us to build structure and wine complexity. The wine was aged in French oak barrels, 64% of which were new, for twenty-one months.

This 2023 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon offers a deep earthy and expressive profile, deliciously integrated even in its youth. The initial aromas are redolent of loamy gravel, a cooling lift of mint chocolate chip and bay laurel, then transitioning into complex nuances of truffles, dusty soil, and mulberries. Flavors of damson plum, crème de cassis, black cherry compote, and blueberry pie dominate the mid-palate. Hints of embers, cast iron, camphor, and scorched earth provide a minerally backdrop to the long finish. – Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking