2007 Cabernet Sauvignon "Red Capsule"

Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley (45 cases produced).  For our second wine of the acclaimed 2007 vintage we once again utilized grapes from our cool Creek-side vineyard.  Based upon the instant success of the 2006 “Red Capsule” our winemakers agreed that the fruit from this particular terroir was ideally suited for the production of a lighter, more approachable Diamond Mountain Cabernet.  The grapes were harvested on a foggy Monday morning in late October,  and immediately taken to the hand sorting tables where imperfect bunches were discarded.  The remaining fruit was then crushed and the long, unhurried fermentation commenced.  Following the completion of the fermentation process, the wine was placed in fine French oak barrels (50% new and 50% from the previous vintage) for an extended maturation of some 20 months prior to bottling in June, 2009.   The resulting wine has exceeded our expectations.  The color is that of sparkling garnets in a glass bowl.  The aroma reflects the minerality  of its Diamond Mountain origins.  The mouth-filling flavors are classic blackberry, currant and cedar, a complexity well supported by the structure of the ripe tannins on the finish. This wine is ready to enjoy now and over the next 5 years.  It’s at its best when decanted one hour before serving.