2015 Waterhorse Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard: Waterhorse Ridge is planted above the fog line on a rocky ridge just 5 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air makes this one of the coolest climate Cabernet sites in California, but the rocky soils and exposure to full afternoon sun combine to fully ripen the fruit. The result is a long growing season that allows the grapes to reach a deep maturity of color and flavor at lower alcohol levels, while maintaining natural acidity. The 2 acre vineyard is farmed entirely by the hand of one man – Jesus Velasquez. It is dry farmed, no-till, and organic - sprayed minimally.

Winemaking: The 2.5 ton lot was partially de-stemmed into an open top
fermenter where the grapes were gently punched down 1-2 times a day during a 14 day native yeast fermentation. The wine was aged for 2 years in French oak barrels including 10% new. The wine was bottled unfined & unfiltered.

Notes: 2015 was a vintage of low yields, concentrated and often structured fruit, which makes the 2015 Waterhorse Ridge defy logic. Since it was barely done fermenting this wine has exuded a bright and ebullient juiciness on top of its soulful core. This wine is both disturbingly approachable now, and yet as tightly wound as any vintage we have bottled. It is deep, perfectly balanced, slightly tense and above all happy to be alive.

fresh cherry, black currant, cotton candy, pear skin, graphite, driving finish