Whole bunch fermentation and 22 months of aging in French barrels. Cerro Sur means "southern hills" in Spanish, and uses grapes from the fields on the gentle hills from Coombsville to Wooden Valley. Ripe and rich blackberries. Asian spices, coffee beans, strong flavor and soft tannins. Great potential for long aging.
Cerro Sur means "southern hill" in Spanish, and is the name of their favorite area of Napa Valley.
The hills extend from the Coombsville AVA to the east of downtown Napa, then roll further east into Wooden Valley, and continue further east into Sacramento Valley.
The area is a mix of well-drained volcanic soil and mineral-rich sedimentary soil.
Cool breezes also come in off San Francisco Bay, helping to clear away the hot air.
This is an area with a variety of slopes and orientations relative to the sun, offering infinite possibilities.
Technical information
Brewing and aging: Fermented using natural yeast without removing the stems, with a long brewing period, and aged for 22 months in French barrels (50% new barrels).
Tasting Comments
The 2019 Cerro Sur expresses pure Cabernet Franc character from start to finish.
The black and red colour indicates that this wine has depth and power.
It's exciting to watch the nuances of dried herbs, red berries, black cherries and anise rise from the glass.
A layered array of flavors spreads throughout the mouth, including delicate tannins, hints of salt, fresh blackberries, and tobacco leaves.
This aromatic and elegant wine has the potential to age beautifully for decades to come, and it will be a joy to follow its progression.
Production volume: 250 cases
Field Information
The Cabernet Franc is made from grapes planted about 40 years ago on the spectacular summit of the famous Rancho Chimiles (Atlas Peak) in the Vaca Mountains of Napa Valley.
It is a beautiful, sturdy old tree, cultivated and cared for by my friend, Terry Wilson.
The vineyards are located at an altitude of 350-400m, so there is no fog and the fields are filled with cool air, but they receive sufficient sunlight, which means that the acidity does not decrease and the grapes have firm tannins and become fully ripe, excellent grapes.
The Cabernet Franc from the vineyard is fragrant, fresh, powerful and full of flavour. The higher the proportion of Franc, the more Napa Franc from a good vintage will offer a rare tasting experience, and the more its aromas and flavours will express themselves as it ages.
The Cabernet Sauvignon, which accounts for approximately 20% of the wine, comes from vineyards in the cool climate of Coombsville.
It adds a vibrant fruit concentration.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 73% Cabernet Franc
Blend Variety: 27% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Rancho Chimiles Vineyard
Note: Wine Spectator 95P (Nov.15, 2022 by James Molesworth, Senior editor
Winemaker: Andy Erickson
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 15.5%