"Dried spice and
rich, lively flavors of berries and vanilla complement aromas of
bramble and wildflowers. Spice and raspberry cassis elements stud
the youthful, richly-textured palate. Berries and cream linger
after the velvety tannins subside." -
Mike McGrath, Winemaker
BLEND:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
VINEYARDS:
The Rutherford AVA Cabernet Sauvignon is comprised of two
vineyards. Hozhoni Vineyard is located on the eastern side of the
Silverado Trail in the Rutherford benchland. The westerly aspect of
the vineyard snares afternoon sun, ensuring mature fruit and sweet
tannins. The soils are of volcanic origin. Rutherford’s soils also
differ from east to west. The eastern side of the appellation has
deep, fertile, volcanic soils while the soils in the western
benchland area are more sedimentary, sandy, and alluvial in
composition. Given the region’s average 38 inches of annual
rainfall, irrigation needs in Rutherford are
negligible.
Our Conn Creek Estate vineyard is 2.45 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon
(clone 15). Every year our sixteen full time employees guesstimate
yield. In 2008 the vineyard yielded 7.782 tons (3.17 Tons per
acre). In ’08 bragging rights went to Jessica Cope, our Wine Club
Concierge.
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.
