2018 Sams Cuvee

Vintage Notes

Bud break was on schedule as warm weather in April welcomed the vines into the new growing season.  High temperatures climbed in May and then fell abruptly in the middle of June.  High temperatures stayed mostly between the high 70s and high 90s from late June through September.  There were three distinct temperature spikes into the high nineties during the month of September and many growers were faced with the dilemma of picking too early or waiting too long - especially in the Valley where daytime temperatures were much warmer.  As often happens on the mountain, October brought an extended period of ideal ripening weather with temperatures mostly in the high 70s and low 80s.  Those with patience were rewarded as the seeds became large, fat and dark brown and the flavors developed to full maturity.  During the last week of the month the weather warmed to the mid and upper 80s and harvest was in full swing.  The season ended abruptly along with the month of October.  In the last three days of the month, the high temperature dropped 35 degrees and never came back.  Most of the mountain fruit was harvested in these last few days of Indian summer, long after the valley fruit had been put to bed.  With great appreciation and wonder, we marveled at the soft tannins and full, ripe fruit that we all pray for each year. 

Vineyard Notes

100% clone 7 cabernet sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Malbec ranging in elevations from 600 feet to nearly 1000 feet with 360 degrees of exposure and two different soils:  volcanic and sedimentary.  We have not only been blessed with this dynamic vineyard, but a talented team of viticulturists to produce consistently outstanding wines under the Terra Valentine name.

Winemaking Notes

The 2005 Wurtele Cuvee is 100% cabernet sauvignon, picked three distinct vineyard blocks over a period of 16 days in October.   The wine was fermented during a 16-day period with punch downs twice daily.  We aged it for 22 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which were new.  Only 100 cases were produced exclusively for our wine club.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with earth, dark fruit,  tobacco, savory spices and cedar.   Mid-palate is enveloped in  fine, silky, cocoa powder tannins that evolve into a long leather and tar finish.