Co-fermented Field Blend ~ 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7.5% Cabernet Franc & 2.5% Petit Verdot
Vineyard: Waterhorse Ridge is planted on a rocky ridge just 5 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air makes this one of the coolest climate Cabernet sites in all of California, but the rocky soils and exposure to full afternoon sun combine to fully ripen the fruit. The 2 acre vineyard is farmed entirely by hand by Jesus Velasquez. It is dry farmed, no-till, and organic.
Winemaking: The grapes were de-stemmed into an open top fermenter, with 20% of stems added back, and gently punched down once a day during a long, cool native yeast fermentation. The wine aged for 18 months in 500L and 225L French oak barrels, including 15% new, and was bottled unfined & unfiltered.
Notes from winemaker John Lockwood: This is the most playful vintage we have bottled, with a freshness and verve that is downright charming. I have found it the hardest vintage to keep my hands off prior to release. Coastal berry fruit makes it a pleasure to drink now, and yet its very youthfulness hints at serious aging potential. It is a wine that makes me wish I could go back in time and taste the classic cabernets of the 60’s & 70’s in their youth.
Tasting Notes
Coastal berry, gun metal, asian pear, cassis, green tobacco, marvelous acidity, fresh intensity & and a long chewy finish