1999 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard:

RustRidge Vineyard is located in the Chiles Valley appellation, at the 1,000 foot elevation in the eastern hillside region of Napa Valley. The grapes are grown on a gentle slope of volcanic and alluvial soils surrounded by the tree studded Vaca range of mountains. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines are over 30 years old, and planted to the old Sterling clone which produces small berries and intense flavors. The vineyard is seldom watered, farmed organically, and yields about 3-4 tons per acre.

Winemaking and Cellar Operations:

The grapes for the intense 1999 Cabernet were hand picked in mid-November 1999 with a Brix of 24.6º, total acid of .82 gm/100 ml, and a pH of 3.50. The fruit was crushed into small stainless steel fermenters and cold soaked for 3 days. A Bordeaux yeast was added, and temperatures reached 88º during a 3-week fermentation and maceration. The resulting wine was aged in French Oak for two years before bottling.

Winemaker Comments:

The bouquet reveals ripe dark cherries and spice with hints of anise and chocolate and flavors of rich ripe black cherries, minerals and spice. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows a wonderful balance and structure of extract and acidity which will make the wine a candidate for longevity in the cellar.

Silver Medal - California State Fair 2004
Bronze Medal - SF Chronicle Wine Competition 2004
Bronze Medal - New World International Wine Competition 2004
Bronze Medal - L.A. County Fair 2004