1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County
Vintage
1995
Price
$18
Release Date
August 1997
Appellation
Sonoma County
Availability
Select Markets Nationally
Vineyards
- Alexander Valley - Raggio, Wasson, Blue Rock, Lile, Parker & Errichetti, Ash Cre
- Dry Creek - Larga Vista, Pusich, and Okaya
- Sonoma Valley - Rancho Salina, Sunny Slope and Atwood
- Carneros - Sangiacomo
- Mendocino - Bells Echo
- Sonoma Mountain - Benziger Family
Grapes
- 88% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 4.4% Merlot
- 3.1% Cabernet Franc
- 2.5% Malbec
- 2% Petit V
Vintage
All Cabernet lots were picked from October 9 to 31, producing a ripe wine with powerful and mature fruit. This allows longer, more developed flavors and tannins that are softer and well integrated into the wine. The lower than normal vineyard yields contributed to power without losing hang time.
Vinification
25 lots from these 18 ranches were culled and individually cold soaked for three days at 45° Fahrenheit priot to fermentation for between seven and eight days at 80#176;-90#176; in open and closed top fermentors. They were aged, 85% in American and 15% in new to five year-old French barrels, for between 14 and 17 months before blending and bottling in June, 1997. Alcohol: 13.5% Total Acidity: .63 pH: 3.50 residual sugar: .08 29,820 cases produced.
Tasting Notes
Blackberry, spice and cedar with hints of vanilla and black currant in the nose. Concentrated and rich yet supple. The 1995 is a bigger wine than the previous vintages and will continue to develop for 5 - 7 years though it is excellent now, especially with steak, leg of lamb and beef stew.