Cabernet Sauvignon "Estate"

TASTING NOTES: Every year, when it is time to assemble the next vintage, we renew the conversation about what makes a "classic" Napa Cabernet. Our guiding idea is balance: richness vs. tannins, ripe fruit vs. dried herb aromatics, ageability vs. instant gratification. Each year we aim to balance the velvety textured cherries and plums from our Stags Leap Vineyard with the big bodied, black berried fruit of our Mt. George Vineyard to create our version of a Napa classic. TECHNICAL NOTES: The grapes were harvested at an average degree brix of 24.7. Fermentation was conducted in small stainless steel tanks wher e the wine spent an average of 17 days on the skins. After draining and pressing, the wine was put into 59 gallon oak barrels to undergo malolactic fermentation. 17 months of barrel age in 44% new oak, of which 96% was French and 4% was American. Overall blend–90% French oak, 10% American.