
2018 Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
Winemaker Marcus Notaro crafted this wine to demonstrate the special characteristics of a specific section of FAY Vineyard. Hailing from the center, or heart, of the vineyard, the HEART of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the confluence of this wonderfully complex vineyard.
In 2018, the HEART of FAY is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from FAY Vineyard. We sourced fruit primarily from Blocks 6, 5C3 and 5B for this vibrant and elegant wine. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
VINTAGE
The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool – a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. We completed the harvest for our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – and began picking our red grapes – a good month later than in 2017 (and two weeks later than normal). Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.
TASTING NOTES
This Heart of FAY Cabernet Sauvignon has bright and fruity aromatics with notes of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and pomegranate with a subtle hint of rose petal. The wine has a lively and lush texture with lingering berry flavors and a touch of thyme and cedar.