SO RARE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
In 1984, we planted Cabernet Franc on a small 2-acre vineyard plot in the southern Rutherford Appellations known as the Windfall Vineyard. It was the best Cabernet Franc we had ever tasted and, when phyloxera hit the vines and we had to pull them out, we replanted Merlot on the same site. Our premium Windfall Merlot came from this vineyard for years until we had a problem with nematodes. Once again, we had to rip out the existing vines and replant . . . so, since both Cabernet Franc and Merlot did extremely well in this soil and climate, we thought we would try to hit a trifecta of Bordeaux varietals by planting Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is this first vintage of So Rare Cabernet Sauvignon . . . it has its own unique personality that is so rare.
2009 So Rare Cabernet
Harvested just before the big rains of October 2009, the grapes for this vintage were 100% handpicked and sorted, and then transferred to a stainless fermentation tank where it underwent a "cold soak" for 4 days at 55F. This allows the wine to extract much of its color without the influence of alcohol, resulting in a deep, dark ruby color. This vintage was then aged for a period of 22 months in 75% new French oak barrels and 25% 1 year French oak. The 2009 So Rare Cabernet is has fresh black berry fruit and brambly oak notes on the nose, with full fruit characteristics of blackberry, cassis, chocolate and a hint of expresso on the palate. This wine's big, bold and lush fruit characteristics are all attributed to the vineyard, once again proving its quality. Enjoy now or continue to cellar several more years.
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Bella Oaks
Appellation: Rutherford
Harvest Date: October 13, 2009
Production: 335 cases
Alcohol: 13.73
TA: 5.8 g/L
pH: 3.73
2008 So Rare Cabernet
The 2008 So Rare Cabernet Sauvignon boasts full fruit characteristics of cherry, cassis, with a hint of raspberry on the palate. The bright and lush fruit characteristics so typical of Cabernet Sauvignon shine through, showcasing the quality of grapes coming from our vineyard in Rutherford. Enjoy now or cellar up to 10-15 years.
Varietal : 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyard: Bella Oaks
Appellation: Rutherford, Napa Valley
Harvest Date: September 25, 2008
Production: 335 cases
Alcohol: 14.31%
TA: 6
pH: 3.64