2012 WATERMARK Cabernet Sauvignon

This cabernet sauvignon has big, bold aromas; lots of raspberry, mocha, and vanilla with notes of cedar. Tobacco and smoke come through with a hint of cassis and jam which adds complexity to this full bodied wine.  The entry is dense, with the cassis and raspberry character continuing to please the palate as the vanilla and oak notes come to play.  This wine is great now but can be laid down until 2019 or beyond.

Our winemaker, Phil Steinschriber, who is also the winemaker at Diamond Creek Vineyards monitors the vineyards from which these grapes are sourced to pick at the peak of ripeness, knowing that making great wine begins in the vineyard.  The wines are cold soaked for 4 days at 55 degrees and then warmed quickly to extract the color without extracting harsh tannin.  The juice is inoculated with yeast and allowed to ferment to almost dryness.  The must is pressed sweet to avoid excessive tannin.   Aged in small new French barrels for about 22 months, the wine is then bottled and warehoused for integration of its components. 

High in the Mt. Veeder appellation Wildcat Vineyards meets the clouds.  At 2000 feet the air is rarified and the ultraviolet rays make the skins of the berries thick and dark.  The wines are deep and luscious with a dark ruby color and strong fruit aromas.   The 2012 vintage is 100% cabernet sauvignon and  wine exhibits cherry berry fruit complimented by vanilla and smoky oak tones with long lasting tannins.