Study in Blue
Red Wine, Napa Valley 2018
Vintage
After abundant rains in February, both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late but under ideal weather conditions. A mild summer brought generous sun (and no heat spikes) during the day and cool marine influences, while moderate heat in the fall extended harvest dates into October. The long hangtime produced fruit with great flavor complexity and phenominal phenolic development.
Vineyards
Well-established hillside vineyards are the foundation of this wine, giving the finished blend its intense inner core of fruit. The Truchard Vineyard was the primary source for grapes used in this blend, with vineyard sites extending into the lower hillsides of the Mayacamas mountain range.
Vinification
The grapes were hand picked at optimum ripeness. Following destemming, the grapes were stainless steelfermented and received extended skin contact before being transferred to barrels. The wine was aged in small French oak barrels for 20 months (39% one-use barrels) where the wine completed malolactic fermentation. The wine was racked prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of sweet blueberries, cigar box, mocha and a hint of black licorice combine on the nose. The Cabernet Franc and the Cabernet Sauvignon provide a rich mouthfeel with polished tannins, while the aromas of ripe blueberries are mirrored in the finish of this wine.
Technical Data:
• Varietal Composition: 65% Cabernet Franc | 33% Cabernet Sauvignon | 2% Petite Sirah
• Appellation: Napa Valley
• Alcohol: 14.9%
• TA: 0.60 g/100ml
• pH: 3.68
• Oak Aging: 23 months
• Oak Cooperage: French oak, 39% one-use
• Production: 605 cases
• Bottling Date: January 20, 2021
