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1995 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

Vintage

Like 1994, 1995 was an outstanding vintage in the North Coast, and because cool weather extended the growing season, Benziger harvested slowly, in small lots, bringing the grapes from each of this wine's 17 blocks in at the height of maturity. Harvest was completed the first week of November. Yields at the Benziger Sonoma Mountain Ranch are naturally low due to thin soils and steep terraces, with an average harvest of less than two tons per acre.

Vinification

This Benziger Family Sonoma Mountain Ranch estate-grown wine was blended from 13 lots picked from 17 blocks. A variety of techniques were used to maximize the character of each individual lot. For example, all lots were cold-soaked, but some for as little as one day and others for as many as five days. Three different yeasts were used, and some were fermented in 3/4 ton bins, punched down daily by hand, while others were fermented in stainless steel tanks and pumped over. All of the lots underwent malolactic fermentation and all were aged in French oak barrels, 30% new, 30% two-year, 20% one-year and 20% neutral. The 13 lots were blended in January, 1997, bottled, unfiltered, in August, 1997. Alcohol 13.5%, total acidity .67, pH 3.56, residual sugar .03. 1, 020 cases produced.

Tasting Notes

A big wine with intense ripe berry aromas and rich in the mouth with a texture that is enhanced by creamy fruit and chalky tannins. Cellared properly, this wine will develop over the next 5-10 years and should last 15-20 years. Best with full-flavored foods such as beef and venison, stews and roasts, and well-aged cheeses.