TRUCHARD VINEYARDS 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
Carneros, Napa Valley, California
VINEYARD
The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 400 acres of hills and valleys which contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash and rock. The combination of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures, provides ideal conditions for wine-growing. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in several different sites, including steep, southwestern facing hillsides. The vines range from 25 – 47 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec are blended to provide additional softness, structure, and complexity.
Vintage Notes: After a second record-dry winter in a row, bud break came early in 2021. During the spring, drought-stricken vines struggled to grow, setting a very light crop with small clusters and berries. Yields were down nearly 50%. Moderate conditions throughout the summer allowed this fruit to easily ripen. As expected, the wines of 2021 are intense, austere, and concentrated.
CELLAR
All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Fermentations were pumped-over twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 88º F. Maceration time varied from 14 to 30 days depending on the vineyard block. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (45% new). The final blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. This wine is drinkable now, but will gracefully age for the next 15 – 20 years.
ACCOLADES
93 points – James Suckling
92 points – Wine Enthusiast
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