The grapes for our 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon were grown at 800 feet elevation in the “banana belt” of the Chalk Hill District east of Shiloh Ridge, where sunshine wakes us up nearly every day. While the valley floors of the Russian River, Alexander Valley, and Napa experience very hot afternoons, we benefit from the cooling Pacific breezes due to our elevation, moderating the temperature. This gives fewer heat spikes and longer hangtimes. Cane-pruned vines were hand-harvested in the wee hours of the morning. We hand-sort to ensure optimal maturity without raisins. Bordeaux inspired us, as we blended two varietals, Cab Franc and Merlot to create our Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon.

The wine is deep garnet in color with aromatics of black cherry and cola greeting you on the nose along with hints of spearmint and bay leaf. The first sip opens with black cherry, cassis, and cocoa that are highlighted by a firm but smooth acid backbone. Briary tones and a bright, mineral-tinged finish with light tannins make this wine very approachable.

Despite a warm February, the 2018 growing season started off cooler than the past few vintages. The vintage began with a dry spring and little rainfall overall. Temperatures were in the 70s and 80s most of the summer with only two short mild heat spikes through the entire growing season. This added “hang-time” pushing our harvest back two weeks later than usual.