Production
The fruit is sourced from a variety of family growers located in Mendocino and Lake County within the North Coast Appellation. Diamond D is a prominent vineyard situated above Middletown, this warm site has many hills and faces south to capture all of the season’s sun, providing concentrated and ripe fruit. Grapes are also sourced from Feliz Creek Vineyard - west of Hopland facing eastward to dry the fruit out and protect it from the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean. A couple of other smaller growers around Hopland and Kelseyville make up the remainder of the blend. Grapes were handpicked at night and brought to the winery at dawn. 100% are destemmed and the must is pumped to tanks to help extract the most flavour out of the grapes. They are then allowed to naturally begin fermentation and with pump over two to three times a day for two weeks before pressing. It completes malolactic fermentation in tank before being racked to barrels where it sees 45% new French oak for 15 months before racking, blending and bottling.
Tasting notes
Classic Cabernet Sauvignon aromas of cassis, dark plums and toast, the palate has a firmness which balances against ripe fruit flavour. Unlike the zinfandels from Cline which are more juicy and generous, the Cabernet Sauvignon shows a more restrained characters with elegant fine grain tannins.
Food match
Pair this wine with full-bodied foods such as a grilled steak or portobello mushroom.
