2008 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 3L

Vintage Notes: The 2008 harvest season started with some challenges and ended smoothly, although in short supply. Spring started on time with some nice warm weather slowly coaxing the buds to break and all looked well. Suddenly, we had a cool spell and fear of frost arose twice in two weeks. Fortunately a majority of Spring Mountain was spared since the natural movement of air on our slopes limited frost formation on the vines, but some neighbors with small frost pockets did get affected. Things began to warm up and we had our traditional summer heat spikes, although fewer than previous years. The fall cooperated with nice warm sunny days, not too hot; and only a few sprinkles allowed full flavor development in the grapes before too much sugar accumulation. The flavors are full with great depth and both the acid and tannins definitely firm resulting in exceptional quality.
 

Vineyard Notes: Terra Valentine is blessed with two estate vineyards that capture the best of Spring Mountain - The Wurtele Vineyard and the Yverdon Vineyard. They are distinguished by a diversity of mountain terrain and vines that are well adapted to the environment. While the mountain sites present challenges - including accessibility, diversity of soils, ripening, and hand labor - they reward the effort in wine filled with intense flavor and color. Each vineyard, with a unique set of soils, exposures, and microclimates, produces a wine of distinction and personality reflecting the terroir of the estate. Our Spring Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of both the Wurtele and Yverdon Vineyard Estates.
 

Winemaking Notes: Our 2008 Spring Mountain District was picked from 14 different vineyard blocks between the 23rd of September and the 17th of October. This blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon (72% Wurtele & 28% Yverdon), 5% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. The wine was fermented during a 22-day period and aged for 22 months in French oak barrels, 35% of which were new.
 

Tasting Notes: The nose opens with aromas of spicy cedar, boysenberry, bright fruit and eucalyptus. A candied fruit lingers on the mid palette with a finish of well balanced acidity. Drink now through 2016.