Description
Surh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
History
Surh Cellars wines are the result of an evolutionary process. Since 1992, we have seen the industry change as the barometers of grape growing and winemaking have been influenced by Mother Nature, consumers, critics, and technology. It has been a constant learning process. We have seen the influence of climate change as the coastal areas have become suitable for fruit as the inland areas often have become less hospitable. Over the years we have made many different varietals including but not limited to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and Chardonnay.
Winemaking Style
With each vintage comes a set of new challenges. Over time our wines have evolved from rustic to refined, but we have tried to maintain our style with an emphasis on intensity and complexity. For each varietal, we employ a combination of traditional winemaking practices along with new world techniques in order to fully express the vineyard, the vintage, and the grape. For our hillside Cabernets, that may mean a long cold soak, longer fermentation, and then an extended maceration. With our Pinot Noirs, on the other hand, it usually means small fermentors, less vigorous temperature, and very little racking. All of our whites have focus and brightness that comes with layers of acidity.
Vinification
Sourced from Atlas Peak and Yountville, the fruit was harvested between October 20 and October 29, 2018. The final blend is composed of 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Merlot. The finished wine shows 15.2% alcohol, a pH of 3.71, and total acidity of 6.2 g/L. Aging was completed in 75% new French oak and 25% once used French oak for 20 to 21 months, before bottling in July 2020.
Tasting Notes
In the mold of our Cabernets from years ago, here is a blend of powerful mountain Cabernet Sauvignon with a richer valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignons from most of the last 10 years that need a lot of aeration and show better the next day, this has more fruit up front, followed by plenty of grip and deep complexity. In addition to the intense Cabernet notes of sage and cassis, it shows juicy blackberry, blueberry, and currant flavors. As we slowly expand our Cabernet program, we can foresee multiple Cabernets in the future.
Surh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 To Your Senses:
- APPEARANCE: Deep, saturated ruby with a dark, nearly opaque core
- AROMA: Expressive notes of sage and cassis layered with ripe blackberry and blueberry.
- TASTE: Juicy dark fruit drives the palate, unfolding into layers of blackberry, blueberry, and currant, supported by firm structure, polished tannins, and a rich, deeply complex mid palate
- FINISH: Long and structured with lingering dark fruit and savory tannins
- ABV: 15.2%
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