Martin Ray
2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
, Napa Valley
Howell Mountain

92 Points, James Suckling

Fresh, wild blue and black fruit with dried cherry, mulberry and red currants with deep rustic touches of pine, with layers of thyme and subtle lavender.  Full body with fine tannins and fresh acidity.  Rounds out with a rich midpalate and touches of clove and graphite on the finish.  Beautiful now and will age gracefully for 10+ years.  Start the grill and bring on the meats.

VINEYARDS

Candlestick Ridge Vineyard on Howell Mountain is situated at 1400 feet, planted to a combination of decomposed volcanic ash and red clay. While it receives twice as much rain as the valley floor, the soil remains dry to its porous composition. This region develops an intensity and concentration of fruit unlike its other Napa counterparts. Notable vineyards that work with the fruit include Vineyard 36, Robert Craig, and Duckhorn Vineyards.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Fermented in small 4-6 ton open top fermenters, with thrice daily pump overs for cap management. Upon finishing fermentation the wine is allowed to rest on its skins for up to a month. Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.

VINTAGE

Starting with rain during bloom, 2019 transitioned into a steady, slow to warm spring. Temperate throughout the summer, offering only a couple intermittent heat spikes. Average yields and incredible quality with harvest beginning in early August.

Consulting Winemaker:  Keith Emerson
Vintage:  2019
Varietal Composition:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation:  Howell Mountain, Napa Valley
Aging:  Aged in 60% new French oak for 18 months.
Brix:  26.9
pH:  3.79
TA:  0.56 g/100ml
Alcohol:  14.8%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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