Chalk Hill Estate

WINEMAKER'S NOTES

The 1996 vintage was warm and crop levels were among the lowest in a decade. Patience and selectivity rewarded us with exquisite fruit. The Cabernet Sauvignon was, as always, produced entirely with traditional techniques, including the addition of small portions other Bordelais varietals into the final blend, enhancing complexity while bringing the wine into perfect balance. This is a full-bodied, voluptuous wine with the classic red berry, tobacco, and chocolate notes found in great Bordeaux, but with the persistent finish and harmonious tannins characteristic of Chalk Hill terroir.
Complete Winemaker Notes

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Blend:

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot

Vineyard:

Estate - average age 19 years

Appelation:

Chalk Hill

Ageing:

Twenty months, 50% new French oak

Harvested:

October 9 - 30, 1996, Brix 24.3°. T.A. 4.4 g/l, pH 3.81

Bottled:

September 8 - 14, 1998, T.A. 5.9 g/l, pH 3.65

Find other Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignons