Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley 2008
Vintage
Mother Nature provided a dramatic vintage in 2008. Due to a dry Spring, vines pushed early and fell victim to one of the longest and deepest frost periods in decades. Shortly thereafter, during bloom, temperatures soared and further damaged the potential crop, resulting in fewer clusters and smaller berries. The Summer season proved cool, but gave us a week of high temperatures around Labor Day that threw the cellar into a breakneck pace with many early-ripening varieties. The season ended with relatively cool temperatures, providing some much-needed hangtime for Cabernet Sauvignon. Overall, the vintage was marked by low yields, yet high quality; the wines are proving to be well-structured, concentrated, and elegant.
Vineyards
The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for this wine were grown in the Chiles Valley region of Napa Valley. The region, with its clay-loam and shale soils, favors a longer growing season with its higher elevation and persistent morning fogs.
Vinification
Our Rosé is made in the saignée method, by “bleeding” juice from our Cabernet Sauvignon tanks prior to fermentation. The juice, pink in color due to its minimal skin contact, is inoculated and fermented to dryness in stainless steel. Prior to bottling, the wine received minimal filtration and fining to preserve the fresh fruit flavors.
Tasting Notes
Perfect for spring and summer sipping, this crisp, fragrant Rosé features fresh strawberry, rose and hibiscus aromas that are mirrored on the palate. With its dry finish and balanced acidity, this Rosé is perfectly suited for al fresco dining and lighter fare.
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 13.8%
• TA: 0.71 g/100ml
• pH: 3.27
• Oak Aging: None
• Oak Cooperage: None
• Bottling Date: March 2, 2009
• Production: 247 cases
