Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Initially bashful this wine takes a few minutes in the glass to get comfortable and open up, but once it starts to open, it doesn’t stop! With time, the wine reveals a symphony of aromas - cocoa nibs, sour cherry jam, dried blackberries, and vanilla flowers - with each return to the glass delivering a new stanza.  In the mouth, this wine feel like lounging on a luxurious, overstuffed sofa - decadent and round with a bit of grainy tannin, a few new flavors join the party, with hints of roasted peppers and forest floor.  With a long, drawn out finish, the wine showcases notes of vanilla, raspberry jam and brown spice.

Bettinelli Vineyard which is based on the west side of Mayacamas bench land in Oakville, which is also home to cult wines such as Harlan Estate and Screaming Eagle. Situated on an alluvial fan west of Yountville, with To-Kalon and Vine Hill to the north, this vineyard is the real deal and consistently produces top quality wines.

4 days cold maceration, 22 days total on skins alcoholic fermentation, 1 month extended maceration. 25% whole bunch. Native yeast and lactic bacteria. Daily punch down and pump over. Full alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. Made from 100% free run, aged in 100% new French oak for 27 months.. No fining, no filtration before bottling.

While this wine can easily be enjoyed and contemplated by itself, it will pair well with rich, flavorful meat dishes like venison steaks topped with brandied cherries or birria in molé sauce.  For more of a white tablecloth experience, look toward osso buco or a rack of lamb.  Vegetarians can do well with mushroom risotto or a Moroccan spiced tagine.