2008 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 2008, our Winemaker, Chris Carpenter, chose Meadow Blocks 3 and 4. Block 4 again makes an appearance in the 2008 Heritage blend as it continues to show the characteristics and consistent quality that define the La Jota vineyards. Supplementing those characters and adding another layer of complexity and quality, Chris also included Block 3. Both of these Meadow blocks ripened and were picked within a day of each other and developed in tandem throughout the aging process.

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

"On the palate, the 2008 Heritage Release Cabernet Sauvignon has rich tannins, espresso bean, and dark fruit with Howell Mountain herbal characteristics, and great minerality."