95 Points, Double Gold - Sunset International Wine Competition
And while a bottle of Alexander Valley Silver Oak will run you an average of $90, this incredible Cabernet is an absolute steal at under 40!
Vineyard
The fruit for this wine was harvested from a 1.5 acre vineyard parcel with a SSW facing slope 450 feet above the Russian River. Planted in 1998 in challenging terrain with great soil for Cabernet, the vineyard faces many challenges during the growing season. This block requires a specially designed fertilizing, irrigating, and leaf-pulling regimen to keep the vines in optimal health for growing perfect Cabernet.
Vintage
The 2018 vintage turned out to be fantastically balanced. Light spring rains notwithstanding, the fruit set at Reynoso Vineyards was phenomenal. As we progressed through veraison and into harvest, temperatures were elevated but consistent providing cool nights and low winds. Our Cabernet pick began on 15 October and finished ten days later, perfectly in line with our historical average.
Winemaking
100% Estate Grown and comprised of 90.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.7% Petit Verdot, 1.5% Syrah and 1.4% Merlot. Hand-picked and sorted, the grapes were crushed and gently destemmed to tank for a 5-day cold soak and 22-day ferment with punchdowns 3 times daily descending as fermentation progressed. The final blend was transferred to French oak barrels in early December for a 19-month aging process. The impact of 40% new French oak on our 2018 Cabernet provides an elegant and complex tannin structure suitable for aging over 10-15 years.
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
VINEYARDS: Estate-Grown - Hillside Fruit
VARIETAL: 90.4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6.7% Petit Verdot, 1.5% Syrah and 1.4% Merlot
AGING: 19 Months in French Oak, 40% New
pH: 3.77
TA: 6.1
ALCOHOL: 14.1% by volume
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