Region: California - North Coast
Grapes: Cabernet
Alcohol: 14.5%
Notes on the Wine
Deep ruby with garnet edges. Cassis, blackberry, and ripe plum with notes of cedar and tobacco on the nose. The palate is concentrated, dark-fruited and layered with mocha, spice, and a touch of vanilla. Full-bodied with firm but polished tannins. The finish is long and structured, leaving dark fruit and cocoa on the palate.
Notes on the Producer
The Flanagan estate vineyard sits at 1200 ft. elevation on the south and southwest facing slopes of Bennett Ridge in Sonoma County, and has 13 acres of vines planted. The soils are rocky, volcanic cobbles with excellent drainage. The vines were planted in 2001 and 2002 on 6 x 4 spacing. The vineyards perch at the confluence of two maritime influences: San Pablo Bay to the south and the Petaluma Gap to the west. Being a warm site in a cool climate means that bud break is early and picking is late. The extra hang time for the grapes, along with the low yields and the hillside site, delivers intense, complex fruit with beautiful flavors.
Flanagan's wines are made by Cabell Coursey, who, in addition to stints in the Willamette Valley and Burgundy, has also held winemaking positions at Alder Springs Vineyard, Dumol, and Kosta Browne.
