Cabernet Sauvignon

VINEYARD DESCRIPTION State Ranch is located northeast of the town of Yountville. The 23-acre vineyard is divided into two parcels by State Lane Road and consists of both older and younger vines. Many excellent wines are produced from this area, in part due to the rocky, loam soil which has excellent drainage throughout the year. The vines, as well as the clusters, are moderate in size and the vineyard gets full sun throughout the day. As the young vines mature, we will be harvesting many different clones to make the final wine. Nickel & Nickel selects fruit from 11 acres of the vineyard. HARVEST NOTES Despite cooler temperatures in 2009, vine maturity in this vineyard was normal throughout the year. Budbreak and bloom occurred in April and May respectively, and the vines looked good. The crop load was slightly heavier this year and required some thinning. Laterals and leaves were pulled early to allow speckled light to reach the fruit, which was essential as the cool summer persisted. The fruit developed its berry flavors in late October when the leaves were starting to change color. SENSORY EVALUATION The 2009 State Ranch shows an intriguing combination of fruit and spice. Cranberry and berry flavors intertwine with earth and cigar, and the toasty component from the oak complements the fruit and adds an intriguing layer. This vintage also has a rich structure, more typical of a hillside Cabernet. This intense expression will allow this wine to age beautifully. APPELLATION Yountville, Napa Valley VARIETAL 100% Cabernet Sauvignon AGING French oak barrels (49% new, 51% once-used) RELEASE DATE September 2012 HARVEST DATES October 18 - 19, 2009 SKIN CONTACT 9 days TIME 16 months FIRST VINTAGE 2006