1998 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Slow ripening in the 1998 vintage gave us plenty of time to get the grapes harvested at the right maturity. It also gave us time to take care of every detail pertaining to the fermentation. For example, we gave the late-ripening lots extended contact on the skins. Grape acidity was initially high, but good, clean malolactic fermentations softened the flavors. The vintage is aging slowly and showing a lot of fruit character at this time. The wine is bright in color and aroma. The Merlot lots, though tiny in quantity, were particularly attractive and important in the final assemblage.