Alden Wood

Vintage:

Appellation:

Blend:

2011

North Coast

75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot

Winemaking

2011 was a dream for California Cabernet Sauvignon. The late spring rains, cool growing season temperatures, and October rains mimicked a great Bordeaux harvest to a tee. The Cab was able to get a very long hang time on the vines and pick up a depth of flavor that we don’t often see here in California.

The Cabernet was picked by hand in late October. The grapes were destemmed and 50% crushed. They went into a closed top tank for a 4-day cold soak and twice daily pump overs before inoculation and fermentation. Post-fermentation, the wine went into used French Oak barrels

Tasting Notes

The nose is full of layered complexity: tobacco, tar, earth notes from the Cabernet, plus bright cherry and strawberry, followed by sweet notes of raspberry and spice from the Merlot. On the palate, the wine is fruit driven and lush up front, with juicy and soft tannins on the middle and a delicate acidity to finish it off.