2015 Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon

Description

Vintage: The 2015 vintage was one of the earliest harvests on record! A very dry winter forced early bud-break. Cool spring conditions during flowering led to poor set; yields were down almost 40%. Moderate summer temperatures quickly brought the small crop to full maturity. The wines of 2015 are powerful and concentrated, yet elegant. Vineyard: The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 400 acres of hills and valleys which contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash and rock. The combination of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures, provides ideal conditions for wine-growing. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in several different sites – on steep, southwestern facing hillsides. The vines range from 19 – 41 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec are blended in to provide additional softness, structure, and complexity. Harvest: Sept. 21 – Oct. 19 • 24.6 ºBrix • 3.48 pH • 6.6 g/L TA Winemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Fermentations were pumped-over twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 88º F. Maceration time varied from 14 to 30 days depending on vineyard block. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (45% new). Rackings occurred every 4 months until bottling in August of 2016. The final blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. This wine is drinkable now, but reward careful cellaring for the next 10 – 15 years. Wine Analysis: 14.2% alcohol • 3.55 pH • 6.1 g/l TA Tasting Notes: Elegant aromas of raspberry, plum, and cassis; with a touch of cedar and vanilla. The mouth is layered with rich flavors of ripe cherries, red currants, and berry jam. Ripe tannins focus the palate and provide a lengthy finish of spice and red fruit.