Obsidian Half Mile Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Obsidian Ridge Vineyard, Red Hills Lake County, California

Obsidian Ridge Vineyard is sits on a volcanic flow at the northern tip of the Mayacamas Range at a half mile of elevation. Vines planted in 1999 on red volcanic soils shot with black obsidian are subject to an unforgiving mountain climate. Low humidity, cold night time temperatures, and ultraviolet exposure 10% greater than at sea level all contribute to developing small grapes with dark color, thick skins, and intense flavors. The Half Mile Cabernet Sauvignon expresses the ripeness and intensity of the highest elevation blocks. Winemaker Alex Beloz selects individual barrels of cabernet to blend with petit verdot and petite sirah to craft a classic mountain style that is structured and plush. The fermentation is completed in 8-10 days and wines are pressed immediately to avoid over extraction of the skins. Obsidian wines are the only Cabernet Sauvignons in California (perhaps the world) aged in 100% Hungarian oak barrels. “These super-tight-grain barrels are low in vanillan and are toasted slowly at low temperatures to avoid imparting overt toasty notes. For the Half Mile, we use exclusively Kádár barrels from our own cooperage, 75% new, aged 18 months. Tasting notes: Half Mile is a winemaker blend of select barrels to showcase the power and richness of volcanic mountain fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon is the core, with loads of dark chocolate seamed with herbs and spice. Petit Verdot provides the intense structure and color that distinguish this wine, along with a ribbon of lavender and wild black plum flavors. Petite Sirah brings freshness and roundness that give the wine a smooth and supple texture, and a touch of black licorice. Beautifully integrated oak notes of star anise, clove and nutmeg combine to create harmony and refinement. Blend: 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, 8% Petite Sirah.