SOUTHERN / AMERICAN / PACIFIC WINE & SPIRITS® Brassfield – 6058467721375

Notes from the Winemaker:
This wine represents 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and blended with 4% Malbec from our Volcano Ridge Vineyard to add structure and another complexity dimension of dark fruits. Ripe plums and hints of sassafrass, mint and eucalyptus greet the nose upon first inspection. There are lovely layers of cedar and cigar box surrounded by a roundness and soft tannic structure that lead to a lingering finish.

This signature vineyard of four and a quarter acres was planted in 2001 and represents the first Cabernet Sauvignon planted at Brassfield Estate, and only the second single vineyard bottling of the Monte Sereno Vineyard of this varietal. Located at 2100 ft. in elevation on the western slopes of High Valley, the soils on this ridge top are primarily broken shale characteristic of Franciscan formation (ancient seabed floor) with a light dusting of red volcanic soils intermixed. The depth and composition of the soil creates a microclimate that stresses the vines limiting grape yields, which translates into a wine of increased concentration and intensity of dark, ripe berry fruit characteristics. This vineyard, with equal amounts of the French clone #337 and BV’s clone #4, has a southern exposure which ensures softer tannin development, and full fruit maturity for this late ripening varietal.

Not since the 2003 bottling has there been a wine meriting this vineyard designation, and we chose not to bottle anything that wouldn’t live up to the inaugural release of this great Cabernet Sauvignon. After a 7 day fermentation the wine was allowed to remain on the skins for an additional 11 days before pressing. 40% new French and American oak (50% each) barrels were infused into the nearly 18 month aging regime.