2008 Newton Vineyard, Mt. Veeder AVA Cabernet Sauvignon

"Cherry and cassis aromas emanate from a spiced oak and cedar base. Firm and richly-postured, wood spice and blackberry flavors are nicely integrated and increase in intensity, finishing with a flourish of chocolate cream ganache." - Mike McGrath, Winemaker

BLEND: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

VINEYARDS:

The thin rocky soils, steep slopes, and rugged terrain on Mt.Veeder make farming the vineyard a challenge. Cultivation and harvesting are done entirely by hand. At 1,400 feet, this block rises above the fog line. Its nights are warmer and its days are cooler than the valley floor. The vines grow slowly and produce small berries giving extremely low yields. The reward is wines that are intense and chewy with magnificent spice-rich, earthy tannins and bold, dark fruit flavors.
The 2008 vintage began with severe spring frost, and fruit set was down by as much as 30% in some areas. Smaller clusters and berries were also the norm, resulting in fruit with greater concentration. More intense than its predecessor, this vintage is richly structured and has greater depth. The wines are rich and powerful, with great potential for aging.