2018 ST. FRANCIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE ALEXANDER VALLEY 750ML

The fruit for the Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at high elevations on sloped hillsides with good drainage. At 1400 feet high along the sun-drenched western facing slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains the fruit sits well above the fog line. Naturally protected from the wind dry hot days combine with bracingly cold nights which puts an element of stress on the vines resulting in small clusters small berries and intensified flavors. The grapes were hand-sorted and underwent a two-day cold soak prior to fermentation to extract optimal color and flavor. After primary fermentation the wine was then aged in French oak barrels 80% new where it underwent malolactic fermentation followed by 20 months of aging.

HARVEST NOTE
Warm sunny days throughout the spring and summer months set the stage for a spectacular harvest in September 2014.
The lack of rain meant that harvest began a little earlier than normal and was short in length finishing up by the end of October. The temperate days leading up to harvest produced good yields of high quality fruit with concentrated flavors complex aromatics and excellent structure.

TASTING NOTE
This is a rich and full-bodied Cabernet with deep layered aromas and concentrated flavors of dark cherry blueberry vanilla bean and tobacco. The wine shows off firm structured tannins and a luxurious lingering finish.

FOOD PAIRING
Excellent with Blue Cheese Wild Mushrooms and Ribeye Steak

TECHNICAL DATA
APPELLATION: Alexander Valley
ABV: 14.8%
AGING: 20 Months 100% French Oak