*Gold Medal, 2009 Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
Deliciously Complex, Bold and Lavish:
The Vineyards
Petroni Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon is an estate grown wine but from a
very unusual vineyard made up of 13 blocks of vines on various slopes,
aspects and elevations. There were five different clones planted to
ensure we had the highest quality fruit that would yield a balanced and
memorable Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking Techniques
Harvest took place in mid-November from terrains that diverged in
elevation by two-hundred feet. The lower block, starting at a 750 foot
elevation, yields fruit that balanced and earthy. The upper block, at
close to a 1,000 foot elevation, gives our grapes intensity and
confidence. The slopes of our upper block are rocky and steep and the
hardy vines that thrive here benefit from the mineral rich volcanic soil.
The harvest was picked into champagne lungs and hand-delivered into the
destemmer. Afterwards, the yield was poured into four one-ton closed
fermenters; there, the berries were cold soaked for five days (with
pumpovers) and allowed to warm on their own until the onset of native
fermentation. The maceration period lasted six weeks which included the
near completion of a native malolactic fermentation. The wine gets its
silky mouth-feel from being barrel-aged in new French oak for 18 months.
Tasting Notes
Richly scented with aromas that include milk chocolate, blueberries, red
currant, and a slight floral spearmint note. Bold and approachable, the
rich chocolate fruit coats the palate underpinned with abundant soft
velvety tannins and moderate acidity. The finish is balanced, long
lasting and memorable.
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: Sonoma Valley, Estate grown
Aging: Eighteen months in new French Oak
Alcohol: 15.5%
