2023 Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes

Lava Cap’s Cabernet Sauvignon has long been recognized for producing age-worthy wines that showcase vibrant fruit and rich texture. The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon holds true to this, with a dark purple color, and dark black fruit on the nose. On the palate, vibrant fruit mingles with allspice and clove, framed by vibrant acidity and well integrated tannins.

Vineyard Notes

As One of Northern California’s highest elevation Cabernet Sauvignon’s, this is true mountain wine. At 3,000ft, the cooling impact of elevation results in a climate that is nearly identical in terms of growing degree days to St. Helena in the Napa Valley, but with the advantage of a greater quality and quantity of sunlight that arises from the increased UV intensity at elevation and our lack of daytime fog. The result of this increased sunlight, but moderate climate, are small berries with thick skins that produce concentrated, age worthy wines, that retains freshness, balance, and a strong sense of place.

The grapes are from 5 different vineyards, all high elevation hillside sites ranging in elevation from 2,700ft to 3,100ft, the highest elevation Cabernet Sauvignon plantings in Northern California. The oldest of these vineyards was planted 55 years ago, another 48 years ago, and a third 46 years ago. The average age of the vines that comprise this blend is over 40 years old. These vines are rarely irrigated, and Cabernet Sauvignon is always the last to ripen, normally mid-November for sites over 2,500ft. These are some of the last grapes harvests in California.

Winemaker Notes

All grapes are handpicked over the course of 2 weeks. We ferment each block separately, at moderate temperatures, normally in the low to mid 80’s, using a selection of yeast. After primary fermentation in stainless steel, the wine was pressed, during which free run and press fractions were combined for settling. The wine was racked to new and used 100% French oak barrels for ML. The wine was racked once after ML, and once for blending and bottling.

This wine displays aromas of dark fruit, including black berry and plum, with notes of eucalyptus, and baking spice. This well-structured wine has ample tannins, and balanced acidity. A rich, but balanced Cabernet Sauvignon that can be enjoyed now or cellared for as long as you’re will to wait.