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Shooting Star Reds
JED STEELE'S SHOOTING STAR
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
LAKE COUNTY
We are always on the lookout for classic varieties planted
in ideal locations. Here the red volcanic soils, ample
sunshine, almost no fog, the 1500 foot plus elevation,
and the cool night temperatures, all add up to a wonderful
place to grow red grapes. We harvest Cabernet Sauvignon
from two growers: Reed and Sarah Dorn and Al Morehead.
The Dorn’s have the most dramatic vineyard in Lake
County. Perched on a hollow on the NW corner of the dormant
volcano Mt Konocti you look down 1000 feet to the lake
and see a perfect circle in Dorn Bay; an ancient cinder
cone! Al’s vineyard is much less showy but the soils
are great and the vines really struggle and produce some
of the best fruit we have ever seen from Lake County.
Cabernet Sauvignon has not been the best red grape for
Lake County. A long season is needed to get the proper
sugar and to help reduce some of the natural herbaceous
character. We always blend in a small percentage of Merlot
and Cabernet Franc from the Dorn Vineyard. We age this
wine in American Oak barrels for 12. For the money there
is probably not a better bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
This wine has aromas of dark fruits with some mint and
cassis. Lots of good Cabernet flavor and a touch of oak
round things out. Serve with roasted meats, hearty stews
or strong cheeses. |
