The fruit for this Cabernet emphasizes three clones, from seven separate blocks, with vines from 15 to 35 years old. From the river benchland, we use our clone 337 for its fruit-forward black cherry flavors. Hillside clone 7 fruit adds floral layers and classic Cabernet cassis and cherry elements. Our oldest plantings, a field selection from the Belle Terre Vineyard, provide tannic concentration and blue fruit notes.
In a year best described as a “cold start to a warm, fast finish,” the harvest was early, with grape yields light to average due to a variety of water conservation efforts. Nonetheless, the 2021 crop will be viewed as an excellent vintage. Our vines produced pristine grapes, with excellent natural acidity, wonderful balance, and pure varietal flavors. We began harvesting our Cabernet Sauvignon on September 21st and were finished by September 30th with brix ranging from 24.3˚ to 25.7˚.
