2018 Surber Cabernet Sauvignon

ABOUT DISTINGUISED VINEYARDS

We are fortunate to source grapes from some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon growers in the Napa Valley. To honor the vineyards that stand out, each year we will produce the Distinguished Vineyards wines. In 2018, we chose Surber Vineyard in the Calistoga AVA as one of those vineyards.

VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING

The Surber Vineyard is in the north east corner of Calistoga. It’s a warmer site for Calistoga due to the bowl it sits in, surrounded by rocky peaks. The vineyard is meticulously-farmed by owners Ted and Sandra Surber and it’s a true labor of love for them. The grapes are from an older block grown in volcanic soil as well as a rocky block that borders Garnett Creek. The Cabernet berries are small and intense in flavor and they have a distinct cherry cola character that is very aromatic.

The grapes were harvested between September 29 and October 1. After fermentation, the wine was aged for 21 months in 100% new French oak. The wine was bottled without filtration.

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

The 2018 offering has focused aromas of cherry cola, forest floor, black olive, violet and wild sage. The palate has a silky texture and polished tannins with rich and lingering flavors of plum and fig.