VINTAGE NOTES: A classic Napa Valley growing season and harvest provided an abundance of quality grapes from which winemakers had to choose in 2012. From spring bud break, through flowering, fruit set, and ripening, conditions were ideal. A consistent stretch of warm summer weather, without large heat spikes and with plenty of cool and foggy nights, ripened grapes to perfection before late rains appeared at the end of October.

WINEMAKING: After the grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and crushed, the fermenting juice went through a combination of gentle punch-downs and cap submersions and aerative pump-overs with rack and returns in order to keep tannins supple and approachable while maximizing the depth of fruit extraction throughout an extended maceration of 21 to 28 days. The wine was transferred into French oak barrels (77% new) for malolactic fermentation and 20 months of aging, followed by 6 months aging in bottle. 86.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13.8% Petit Verdot 6.6 g/l total acidity; 3.73 pH; 14.8% alc. by vol.

TASTING NOTES: Our 2012 Oso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful dark garnet in color, and is well-balanced with a supple, elegant texture. Dark berry and toffee aromas lead to lush ripe blackberry flavors, accented with and subtle notes of toasted vanilla.