2018 HAMEL FAMILY WINES ISTHMUS 1.50L

A deep ruby tone in the glass the wine displays notes of black fruits and cassis over an aromatic fabric of iron clove_x000D_
graphite cedar and balsam. Dense and layered in texture the palate shows ripe and juicy black fruit tannins woven_x000D_
into a monolith of structure. Through the richness an integrated freshness and streak of minerality invigorates the_x000D_
wine towards a sustained and powerful finish. An Isthmus for the ages the wine is just at the tip of accessibility but_x000D_
will continue to develop and reward those who cellar over the next twenty years. For near term consumption a_x000D_
decant will allow the wine to show its full depth._x000D_
_x000D_
BLEND: 64% Cabernet Sauvignon 18% Merlot 14% Cabernet Franc 4% Petit Verdot_x000D_
VINEYARDS: 65% Hamel Family Ranch 35% Nuns Canyon Vineyard_x000D_
APPELLATION: Sonoma Valley_x000D_
FERMENTATION: 64% Stainless Steel Tanks 31% Concrete Tanks 5% Neutral French Oak Tanks_x000D_
AGING: 12 Months in 74% Neutral French Oak Barrels 26% New French Oak Barrels followed by 17 Months in 100% Concrete Tanks_x000D_
HARVEST DATES: 9.06.2018-10.17.2018_x000D_
BOTTLING DATE: 6.03.2020_x000D_
ALCOHOL: 14.5%_x000D_
_x000D_
VINTAGE NOTES_x000D_
The 2018 winter was warmer and drier than average with only eight inches of rain. Fortunately that pattern was_x000D_
reversed in March and April with an additional eight inches normalizing vine vigor. Though spring and summer_x000D_
were the coolest we have seen in six years the seasons aligned with average temperatures from the past twenty years._x000D_
Continuing our transition to dry farming we farmed 75% of our vineyards without a single irrigation. The gentle_x000D_
accumulation of heat through the summer led to an extended season allowing the grapes to fully ripen with lots of_x000D_
phenolic complexity and maturation. Harvest began on August 30th and was completed on October 17th. Aside_x000D_
from rain showers at the beginning of October the benevolent fall weather pattern allowed us to pick at optimal_x000D_
ripeness yielding wines of elegant and precocious potential.