Martin Ray
2017 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Napa Valley
Rutherford

Known for its own unique terroir, the Rutherford AVA of the Napa Valley sets a standard for depth and structure with classic notes of herbaceous earth and dust.  This bottling builds upon this foundation with loads of red fruit, warm oak with notes of vanilla, anise and cedar.  Deep, dark chocolate covered raspberries, Morello cherry, and clove balanced by fine tannins and acidity.  Consulting 100 Point Rockstar Winemaker, Keith Emerson.

Beautiful now and will age gracefully for another 7-10 years... that is if you can wait that long.  Start the grill and bring on the meats.

VINEYARDS

Sourced from volcanic benchland vineyards in the heart of the valley east of the Mayacamas range. Perfect growing conditions, with lingering fog and warm daytime highs develop complex fruit due to an extended ripening period. This prolific vineyard was carefully planted for optimal sun exposure in soil composed of gravel, loam and volcanic deposits.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Employing classic, labor-intensive, small-lot winemaking techniques. Four-day cold-soak, hand punch downs for two weeks in open top fermenters.  Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.

VINTAGE

Record-setting rain and cooler temperatures lengthened dormancy, with first signs of budbreak mid-march.  Hotter than average days in June and July brought harvest mid-August with lower than average yields across all varieties.

Consulting Winemaker:  Keith Emerson
Vintage:  2017
Varietal Composition:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation:  Napa Valley
Aging:  Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix:  24.1?
pH:  3.66
TA:  0.56 g/100ml
Release Date:  August 2020
Alcohol:  14.1%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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