We sourced the fruit for our 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon from our winery estate located on the eastern reaches of Napa County. The winery estate is located 800ft above sea level and daytime temperatures there are typically 3-5 degrees warmer than on the valley floor. The increased temperatures at the vineyard site contributed to the complete ripening of the fruit which in turn helps create the crowd-pleasing plush flavor profiles Vineyard 985 is known for.
Winemaking & Tasting Notes
The 2022 growing season saw record breaking weather events with 80% of the rainfall arriving before the new year. This filled our vineyard ponds completely for the first time in many years. This was followed by the driest three months on record. Despite the dry spell we experienced healthier canopies that resulted from the earlier rains. The summer growing conditions were outstanding with a Labor Day heat wave accelerating harvest slightly. The fruit was handpicked in the early morning hours and brought into the winery on October 11th. We employed an extended cool fermentation and then transferred the wine to French oak barrels (70% new). The wine was then aged in our winery caves for 20 months. This vintage consists of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc.
This wine opens with billowing aromas of cassis, ripe berries, and leather on the nose. The palate has a velvety texture revealing layers of black cherry, mixed berries, and a hint of baking spices. The wine also features featherweight tannins and the long soft finish that Vineyard 985 is known for. The wine is outstandingly approachable upon release but will perform well over the next 5 to 8 years.