Using grapes from the best vineyards in Alexander Valley, each lot is fermented, aged, blended, and then returned to French barrels for further aging. Aged 24 months in French barrels (75% new barrels). Full-bodied and soft on the palate, with blackcurrant, chocolate, dried herbs, and dark plum, and a soft, lingering finish that moistens the throat. Consulted by David Ramey.
Vintage Information
2017 was a year of change and unforgettableness, with rain sweeping the North Coast, filling all lakes, ponds and reservoirs, breaking all-time rainfall records by mid-April, and multiple heat waves in the summer. However, high-quality grapes packed with flavor were harvested from September 18th to October 5th.
Technical information
The grapes were divided into small lots and the bunches were carefully selected, the berries were selected, and the wine was fermented in barrels for a long aging period.
Aged for 24 months in French barrels (75% new barrels).
Tasting Comments
Aromas of cassis, crushed violets and herbs. Taste of black fruits.
The wine is velvety smooth with a smooth, long finish of vanilla and cocoa, a full-bodied wine that pairs well with porterhouse, grilled lamb and roasted winter vegetables.
Field Information
The area around the winery has low temperatures and fog at night, making it ideal for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but not suitable for Cabernet Sauvignon. More than 30 years ago, Rodney searched for a place to grow Cabernet that was warm during the day and less affected by the cold sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean, and found flat and hillside land in Alexander Valley, consisting of well-drained volcanic alluvial soils and uplifted shale and sandstone soils.
Starting with the 2013 vintage, the winery has been using grapes from Coulee Ranch (its own vineyard in the upper left of the map on the right, located west of Cloverdale) in Sonoma County, which is situated on rocky volcanic soils at an altitude of 240-610 meters.
The vineyard is ideal for Bordeaux varieties, with less daily temperature difference than Alexander Valley, allowing the fruit to ripen earlier.
Vintage: 2017
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Alexander Valley
Nested AVAs: Alexander Valley
Vineyard: Cooley Ranch 48%, Brothers 29%, Rockaway 18%, Crown 5%
Winemaker: Justin Seidenfeld
Aging: 24 months in French barrels (75% new)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 87512075283