Waterhorse Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Enfield Wine Company Vintage 2019 Bottle Sizes 750ml Country USA Region California Appellation Fort Ross - Seaview (Sonoma Coast) Wine Type Red - Still Varietals Co-fermented Field Blend – by acreage 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot Farming Organic Vineyard Waterhorse Ridge is planted above the fog line on a rocky ridge just 5 miles away from the Pacific Ocean. The coastal air makes this one of the coolest climate Cabernet sites in California, but the rocky soils and exposure to full afternoon sun combine to fully ripen the fruit. The result is a long growing season that allows the grapes to reach a deep maturity of color and flavor at lower alcohol levels, while maintaining natural acidity. The 2 acre vineyard is farmed entirely by the hand of one man – Jesus Velasquez. It is dry farmed, no-till, and organic - sprayed minimally. Soil Loam and volcanic Vinification The clusters were partially de-stemmed (20% whole cluster) into an open top fermenter where the grapes were gently punched down 1-2 times a day during a 14 day native yeast fermentation. The wine was aged for 2 years in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Aging Aged for 2 years in French oak barrels Production 200 cases Notes "For many of you Waterhorse Ridge is the wine that brought you to us. It is one of the coolest climate Cabernet vineyards in California, planted on a rocky ridge deep in the Sonoma Coast overlooking Marcassin and Hirsch, two of the most expensive Pinot Noir vineyards in the state. It is tiny, only 2 acres, and lovingly farmed by hand by Jesus and his wife Patricia. Through their tremendous work in a marginal site, it produces singular and spectacular vintages of Cabernet year after year. While only 13.4% alc., the 2018 may be the most phenolically ripe wine we have picked off the vineyard. This is due to the growing season in 2018, where the weather cooled down dramatically in late August and the final month and a half of ripening at Waterhorse was smooth and even. The 2018 Waterhorse has the depth of the 2017 at lower alcohol. Ripe fruits are balanced by classic notes of graphite and gunmetal. The mid palate is densely packed and the acid is pristine. There is some baby fat to shed, and it is still a bit tightly wound. I recommend a 1 hour decant if drinking this fall, but this should continue to get better every month for a LONG time. This is as collectible a wine as we have bottled. deep cherry, red pear skin, white pepper, sandalwood, maple syrup, graphite, morel, packed mid-palate, bracing acid and a vibrant finish that keeps getting longer Decant - Drink Halloween 2021 - 2041" - John Lockwood Back to Current Releases