2016 Lancaster Winemaker's Cuvée, Alexander Valley (1.5L Magnum)
Winemaker Notes
Our 2016 Winemaker’s Cuvée is composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot from the
northern tip of the Alexander Valley AVA east of the Russian River. The combination of
this warm climate and its alluvial and gravelly loam soil is ideal for creating balanced wines
of complexity, concentration and richness. Black cherry, blueberry and plum are the gateway
to a multi-layered palate of dark fruits, vanilla, black currant and the ideal tannin-acid
structure on this wine. A supple mouth-feel with velvety tannins and rich flavors linger on
the finish of this balanced wine.
Composition
97% Cabernet Sauvignon,
3% Merlot
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Red Blends
Appellation
Alexander Valley
Harvest Date
October 9 – October 12, 2016
Acid
6.2 g/L
pH
3.50
Aging
Aged sur lie for 15 months in a combination of French and American oak. 30% of the barrels were new and all were coopered using a combination of Medium Plus, Medium Long, and Heavy toast levels to provide better integration and balance.
Fermentation
Native yeasts were used for primary fermentation while secondary malolactic fermentation occurred naturally in barrel.
Bottling Date
March 14, 2018
Alcohol %
14.95
Production Notes
We harvested the fruit at optimal
ripeness from October 9 - 12, 2016.
Native yeasts were used for primary
fermentation while secondary malolactic
fermentation occurred naturally in
barrel. To preserve the truest expression
of the fruit, the wine was gently fined
and bottled March 14, 2018.
This wine was aged sur lie for 15
months in a combination of French and
American oak. 30% of the barrels were
new and all were coopered using a
combination of Medium Plus, Medium
Long, and Heavy toast levels to provide
better integration and balance.
Vineyard Notes
The 2016 growing season brought fruit
of exceptional quality and concentration.
We had sufficient rainfall in the
winter to help alleviate dryer than
average conditions in recent years.
Temperatures were moderate with
some minor heat spikes in June and
July. However, a cooling off period in
August led to ideal conditions at
harvest. The wines from this vintage
have great uniformity, concentration
and outstanding balance.