Stuhlmuller Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, 750ml, Sonoma County, California

Stuhlmuller Vineyards, located in southern Alexander Valley, converges with two highly regarded Sonoma County appellations, Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley. On its eastern edge, the 150-acre vineyard borders the Russian River. Situated in a location that is part river benchlands and part hillside, the vineyard benefits from its alluvial gravel soils and the rockier soils of the hillside sections. The fruit for this Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from three exceptional Sonoma County appellations, with 56% from our own vineyards in Alexander Valley, 30% from Knight’s Valley, and 14% from Moon Mountain. The blend is comprised of various prized clones from seven separate blocks, situated on both hillsides and benchland sites, with vines ranging in age from 15 to 30+ years old. Winemaking: Fermentations were in a mix of open-top and closed-top tanks. In the closed-top tanks, the must was pumped-over, which added to palate texture. The open-top tanks used a punch-down regimen to retain fruit intensity. The wine was racked to 45% new French and American oak and underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Each lot was aged separately and blended after barrel aging for a total of 18 months. Tasting notes: The 2020 vintage has delivered a ripe, approachable Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, with aromas of Bing cherry, licorice, currant, and blackberry pie. The palate offers a plush, creamy texture and seamlessly integrated oak. Structured tannins add definition to the rich flavors of dark berry jam as well as layers of sweet oak and spice. Ample natural acidity provides length and freshness on the finish. 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot.