Reynolds Family Winery Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, California

Reynolds Family winery’s 9-1/2 acre home vineyard sits in the shadow of Atlas Peak, just south of Stags Leap, where it enjoys cool breezes from San Pablo Bay to the south. The growing conditions here are ideal for producing big, rich, complex wines. The vineyard was first planted it in 1996 using ‘bench grafted vines’ which were quite new back then. With bench grafting, the plants are raised at the nursery for one to two years before planting. This cuts about a year off the vine’s development, allowing it to deliver usable fruit in its fourth leaf rather than its fifth. The estate is planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon. 2018 vintage – 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot. 18% barrle fermented – 60 days skin contact, 82% stainless steel tank fermented, 3 weeks skin contact. Aged 24 months in 80% new French oak, 20% cryo-cleaned w/inserts. Tasting Note: This Cabernet Sauvignon is rich on the nose, with dense, tightly focused notes of black cherry, star anise and subtleties of cedar, leather and candied red fruits. The flavors weave together on the palate with ripe blackberries and warm baking spices to create an elegant mouthfeel.