93
Points
Technical info
Alcohol
14.5%
Varietal
Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaking
To maintain the unique characteristics of the different lots from various areas of the vineyard, each is monitored carefully throughout the vinification and aging process. Extended maceration extracted maximum color, aromas, and flavors from the grapes. It also developed generous tannins to enhance the lush mouthfeel of the blend. The wines were aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months, undergoing malolactic fermentation for further texture and mouthfeel development
Vintage
The first half of the 2022 harvest started calm and early, with healthy vineyards offering fruit with bright acidity, fruit-forward flavors, and strong yields for white varietals and thin-skinned reds, like Pinot Noir. Then, California experienced a historic heat wave in early September that ramped up the pace of ripening, compelling a fast and furious harvest as winemakers worked to pick fruit at its best quality. Fortunately, strong vines and proactive irrigation helped many vineyards survive the heat. The second half was much more predictable with cooler temperatures through October, so that later-ripening red varieties, such as Malbec, could develop their full flavor and tannin profile.
Vineyards
Located 17 miles northwest of the winery, Knights Valley vineyard spans approximately 600 acres. It features rocky, well-drained soils that are perfectly suited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot.
