2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Estate

The Wine

The fruit for our 2003 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon was selected from our Huerhuero vineyard, which is planted on the premium clones 337 and 07. All the fruit was handpicked in small lots during the cool of the morning to ensure perfect quality and ripeness. After delivery to the winery, the fruit was destemmed and gently crushed into temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. To preserve varietal character in the finished wine, 40% of the lot was left as whole berries, with pumpovers taking place regularly to enhance color and tannin extraction from the skins. After 14 days of maceration the pomace was gently pressed to lessen the astringency of the finished wine. The wine was then racked into barrels to complete malolactic fermentation. Small amounts of Petit Verdot were added to build a more complex wine with increased mouthfeel, length and better tannin structure.

Enjoy now through 2013.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet
• Aroma: Intense aromas of plums, blackberry and cherry with a hint of spice, cedar and vanilla
• Taste: Ripe, rich, dense fruit with full body and great concentration; juicy plum, black cherry and red currant flavors with hints of tobacco and baking spices; long finish with ripe tannins and good structure

Accolades

• 89 Points, Highly Recommended - Beverage Testing Institute, August 2007
• The Colorado Wine News, July 2007
  “Plum, blackberry and cherry plus Droste Chocolate. Fine tannin and nice acidity finish, medium-long with added pepper note.”