Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County 2008 (375ml)

Vineyards

The Red Hills Lake County appellation lies along the southwestern shores of Clear Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake in California. Designated Lake County's newest AVA in September 2004, Red Hills sits at the foot of the ancient volcano Mount Konocti. We source our Cabernet Sauvignon from Andy Beckstoffer's Amber Knolls Vineyard. The soil is very rocky, volcanic soil. The shallow depth and rich mineral content of the soils create an ideal environment for growing Cabernet.

The vineyard elevation where our fruit comes from is 2400 feet. The clone used is 337. The Red Hills appellation benefits from a unique diurnal temperature pattern, with hot days tempered by afternoon winds that can cool nighttime temperatures by as much as 50 degrees. During the growing season daytime temperatures easily reach 90 degrees and above, but cool down each afternoon from breezes created by the sloping elevation changes around Mount Konocti and offshore winds from Clear Lake. The cool nights help preserve the acidity of the grapes and slow the ripening process, enhancing the flavor and complexity of the wine. We pick the grapes very ripe, usually around mid October. Cabernet from Red Hills tends to be big and bold, with complex fruity flavors that hint of wild berries, blackberries, cherries and spice. The trace minerals apparent in the volcanic soils lend earthy or flinty notes that add to the complexity of the wine.

Winemaking

The grapes are pressed to stainless steel tank and undergo a 2-3 week fermentation. Fermentation is allowed to reach 85 degrees to maximize the fruit character. This wine is then laid down in a combination of French and French/American hybrid oak barrels to age for a year before bottling. 30% of the oak is new. Very drinkable now, it has the structure for judicious cellaring through 2015.