3 Stars - Decanter Magazine

Winery Principals: Mark Beringer, David Duckhorn, Harry Merlo, Matt Miller and Stéphan Nadalié

Winemaker: Mark Beringer

Wine Specifications

Vineyards

Location: Lago di Merlo Vineyard, Dry Creek, Sonoma County

Soils: Franciscan

Vines: Conventional vineyard practices

Vintage: 2008 was a year of extremes: heavy rain in winter, early budbreak, severe frosts, extreme temperatures during bloom, strong winds in May, and smoke from wildfires in June created a harrowing year for growers, but warm days and cool nights in summer allowed the lighter crop to ripen without further trouble.

Vinification: Our 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon was crushed into a stainless steel tank and allowed to cold soak for several days before we initiated fermentation with a special yeast used to highlight fruit characters. The grapes were allowed to ferment at 85F for a period of 12 days and they were pressed at dryness. The resulting wine was allowed to settle and then barreled down to 100% French oak barrels for 18 months.

Winemaker’s Notes

Bouquet: Our 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries, currents, and plums. The fruits give way to dark chocolate and toffee with a bit of spice.

Palate: On first impression, our Cabernet shows briary dark fruits of blueberry and cassis. The wine has a firm structure with well rounded tannins. This finish has hints of sweet caramel with toasty oak.

Serving Suggestions: Stews, braised meats, pastas with rich meat sauce and soft cheeses.