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Since
1981, Cakebread Cellars has worked hand-in-hand with the Phillips
Family, owners of the highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards
grown at their Vine Hill Ranch in Oakville. Their vineyards are
situated along the gently sloping western foothills known as the
"benchlands." The grapes from this property have a long
history of producing an elegant, rich wine that until now has
been reserved exclusively for our finest cabernet blends.
Following
the example of the outstanding 1997 vintage, the 1998 Cakebread
Cellars' Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested a vineyard
block at a time over a two-week period. We then kept the wine
made from each block separate as each one is grown on a different
rootstock, creating decidedly different flavors and aromas. Working
with separate, small lots of wine from this vintage, Winemaker
Bruce Cakebread then assembled the best and most representative
Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon possible.
The 1998
Vine Hill Ranch has aromas of red berries, cedar, vanilla and
a touch of oak. Hints of blackberries, blueberries, herbs, black
pepper and vanilla show on the palate. Following tradition, this
Cakebread Cellars' reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is a wonderful integration
of rich, ripe black-fruit flavors, a soft, round texture and a
finish of firm, lingering tannins.
More
than simply highlighting the fruit from an exceptional vineyard
in an excellent growing year, the Cakebread and Phillips' families
regard this second release of Vine Hill Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon
as a tribute to their decades-long relationship. |
Grape Variety:
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker:
Bruce Cakebread
Vineyards:
100% Vine Hill Ranch, Oakville
Alcohol content:
14.5%
Harvest dates:
October 12 through October 27, 1998
Total acidity:
0.67 g/100ml
Fermentation:
Stainless Steel
pH: 3.63
Barrel aging:
25 months in French oak
Residual sugar:
0.07 g/100ml |
