The 2019 Sugarloaf Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from a single vineyard in southern Napa, where the cooler climate preserves acidity, enhances color, and yields milder tannins. The acidity is bright, and the tannins are soft and well-integrated, with a deep garnet red color. The bouquet reveals mixed berries, vanilla and plum with a touch of dried herbs. On the palate, notes of cassis mingle with those of caramel, red plum and gingersnap. Aromas and flavors present themselves with nuances of root beer, mocha and cherry. The finish is soft with flavors of milk chocolate, blueberry and toasted oak.
2019 began with a wet and cool spring, which pushed bud break out two weeks later than in 2018. The summer growing season was relatively uneventful, with no heat spikes. Due to the moderate weather and late bud break, veraison did not end until early August in some areas of the valley. Autumn brought hot days and cool nights which helped push the grapes to full ripening, while preserving their acidity. As a result, the wines produced from this vintage are full and robust with deep color.
The grapes were hand harvested at night, carefully sorted in the vineyard, then brought to the cellar and destemmed. The grapes received a cold soak, followed by fermentation at a high temperature to ensure maximum extraction was achieved. The wine was racked to 100 percent new French oak barrels, where it was aged for 18 months prior to bottling.
