2005 Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vineyards

Each vintage, Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon (formerly called Anniversary) is selected from the finest grapes on the La Jota vineyard estate on Howell Mountain. In 2005, Chris chose Meadow Block #5. This small vineyard is a collection of six different rootstocks and two clones, which contribute to the flavor diversity in the wine. "It's a great block," says Chris. "Assessing grape maturity is a bit crazy because the fruit ripens differently on each rootstock; but in 2005 there was just enough consistency and we picked at exactly the right time. The fruit was incredible."

Winemaking

We hand-harvested the grapes into small lug boxes to prevent crushing, and then brought them to our winery for hand sorting. After destemming and light crushing, the must was cold soaked for gentle color, flavor and tannin extraction. To bridle the "mountain tannins", Chris added small amounts of oxygen with "splashing pump-overs" during the primary fermentation and six rackings during barrel aging. In-barrel malolactic fermentation rounded the acidity and softly integrated the vanillin character of the new oak barrels. The wine was bottled without fining or filtration to retain its full complexity.

Current Tasting Notes

"I consider our Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon to be the highest expression of what our La Jota estate vineyards have to offer; it is the best-of-the-best," says Winemaker Chris Carpenter. "The 2005 vintage offers rich aromas filled with huckleberry, boysenberry, oak and spice. On the palate, the host of dark fruit and mocha flavors are intertwined with a pronounced minerality that is inherent in our La Jota estate wines. The firm tannins and perfectly balanced acidity support the flavors through the expansive, lengthy finish. This is a wine of great texture, complexity and aging potential."