A marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, one cannot but be taken by the uber-dark color of this wine. Yet when the first sip is taken, an unexpected profile emerges from the glass with elegance and freshness accompanied by a wealth of minerality. The nose explodes with aromas of cassis, cured meats, coffee, licorice, dark chocolate, and spice. Fullbodied, this flawlessly balanced wine will keep you thinking for a long time while the finish does not stop.

Abundant rainfall combined with moderate temperatures and extended hang times resulted in the latest harvest on record. The winter rains yielded a healthy cover crop that replenished the soil’s micronutrient stores. The growing season was perfect with temperatures hovering in the 80s and 90s, and not a single day reaching 100 degrees in the vineyard. The fruit arrived at the winery in exquisite condition with small, pure, and unblemished berries. The 2019 vintage is marked by elegance, intensity, and fine acidity, all combining to promise excellent longevity and staying power.

The phenolics produced on this mountain are known to be among the highest in the world, fostering an immensity of color, depth, and structure. To extract the purest and most elevated expression of this terroir, purposeful omission is required. Only select vineyard rows are chosen for cultivation. By the time the fruit is aggressively thinned, optically sorted, and used only for its free-run juice, a minimal percentage of the total potential yield meets the exacting standard we set for selection. Fermentation proceeds exclusively with wild yeasts cultured from DAOU Mountain, imbuing the wine with native texture and character.