2009 Spring Mountain District Cabernet 3L

Vintage Notes: In 2009 we were blessed by a mild spring with very little frost damage, compared to 2008, when spring doled out six times the amount of frosty mornings. The fact that late spring rains helped to develop water reservoirs, along with the lower than average high temperatures, helped reduce the need for water. Cooler temperatures and longer hang time coupled to allow for a slow-and-steady growing season. The relaxed pace of harvest was abruptly transformed to rush-harvesting as early-season rain welcomed itself to the valley. Even so, the grapes that were harvested in time were well-developed and ready to go.

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 2009 Spring Mountain District Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a composed of select blocks of our two estate vineyards. These blocks were picked between October 6th and October 30th 2009. The wines were fermented on skins for an average of 16 days and then aged in barrel for 22 months. The wine is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petite Verdot. The wines were bottled August 2011.
 

Tasting Notes: This wine starts with bright fruit and cocoa powder on the nose. The palate has an incredibly soft entry followed by dark fruits and rich tannins. The word for this wine is balance, as neither the juicy fruit nor the soft tannins dominate.