In 2006-2007, we planted a new Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard on our warm climate Home Ranch in the eastern Santa Ynez Valley. The young vines, spawned from four superior clones sourced from Bordeaux and Napa Valley, are on steep, south-facing slopes in thin, rocky, well-drained soils that naturally limit yield. They enjoy plenty of sunlight and warmth, and their shoots are trained vertically to balance the grape clusters to sun exposure. Dense spacing forces competition for water and soil nutrients, ensuring each vine sets a small crop of intensely flavored grapes.
Fermented in small open-top tank, our Cabernet Sauvignon offers complex, varietally expressive aromas of ripe black cherry, cassis, boysenberry and blackberry complemented by enticing cedar, sweet herb and oak vanillin tones. On the palate, the wine is dense and concentrated with rich dark cherry, blackcurrant and blackberry flavors enhanced by notes of chocolate, spice and toasty oak. Firmly structured with sturdy, but supple tannins and climaxing in a long, savory finish, our sumptuous 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious now with beef, lamb and other hearty dishes, but will soften and gain even greater nuance with 2-3 years’ additional bottle age from the date it was bottled.
Santa Ynez, California