2016 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, while maintaining natural acidity. The 2 acre vineyard is farmed entirely by hand by one man – Jesus Velasquez. It is dry farmed, no-till, and organic - sprayed minimally.

Winemaking: The 3 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 15 day native yeast fermentation. The wine was aged for 18 months in a combination of 500L Puncheons and 225L barrels, including 10% new wood. The wine was bottled unfined & unfiltered.

Notes: Reminiscent of our 2015 Haynes Chardonnay, the 2016 Waterhorse is both the ripest and highest acid wine we have bottled off this site, and it drinks like a modern classic. It is powerful, concentrated, coastal and fresh, with aromatics that saturate the room. The tannins are already well integrated and the fruit is ripe enough to drink now, yet the balance should keep this wine fresh for decades. Do not be afraid to cellar this wine, you will be rewarded.

black currant, blue raspberry, morning dew on moss y stones , iodine, long graphite and cherry finish