94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Pair with Grilled Rib Eye Steak · Lamb Sliders · Roast duck with a cherry reduction · Roasted Eggplant · Cheddar cheese · Flourless chocolate cake
VINEYARD
The Heart Arrow Ranch, located in the northern reaches of Redwood Valley, Mendocino County, is a great example of how Biodynamic farming can produce complex, balanced wines. The entire farm is a self-sustaining. No pesticides or herbicides are used on the farm. The Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the property comes from vines planted on a steep slope of bright red, rocky, volcanic soil. The vines struggle to produce fruit on this well-drained rocky soil, which produces tiny amounts of intense, complex fruit that we make into structured, almost Bordeaux-like Cabernet Sauvignon.
WINEMAKING
In 2019, the grapes were picked very late in the season, as is typical for this vineyard. The vines produced tiny amounts of pea-sized, black grapes that we were certain would make jet-black, concentrated wine. We hand-sorted the grapes on a conveyor to the crusher, and fermented the grapes for almost one month in small stainless steel tanks, using only the native yeasts on the grapes. After pressing, the wine was aged for 20 months in small French oak barrels, using about 30% new oak for flavor and firm structure. During blending, we decided that a small amount of Merlot would bring supple texture and bright black cherry fruit to the wine. The resulting wine has a fine structure and a complex, layered flavor profile.
Vintage: 2019
Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Heart Arrow Ranch
Appellation: Eagle Peak, Mendocino County
Time in oak: 20 months; 100% French oak 30% new barrels
Alcohol: 13.9%
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Dark fruit aromas of black raspberry, blackberry and black cherry steer the aromatics backed by baking spices, anise and lavender. A touch of Syrah to add tannin and depth. On the palate, black cherry and blackberry preserve shine through rounded out by herbs de Provence, dark chocolate and vanilla. A gorgeous expressive wine!
