This is an excellent estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Dana Estates, utilizing all four of their own vineyards- Helms, Hershey, Lotus, and Crystal Springs. Made by Chris Cooney, who also makes Dana Estates’ single vineyard Cabernets, this 2019 reflects the season with opulent fruit, full body, and a broad textured finish. It offers a plush, inviting entry expressing flavors of blackberry compote, spiced plum, and a long savory finish. The well-integrated, round tannins and low oak impact highlight the silky mouthfeel and vibrancy of the fruit. On the palate the wine opens with toasty almonds, baked strawberries, leading to savory herbs, and a creamy milk chocolate finish. It is showing incredibly well now and will age gracefully as time passes.

Their philosophy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and winery has resulted in a slow progression to dry farming. This forces the vines to look deeper for water, but also for nutrients and minerals. The results are balanced vines that produce small, intensely flavored berries with thick dark skins. Chris Cooney and his team used various fermentation vessels to harness the complexity of our sites including oak upright tanks, single barrel fermentation, and concrete tanks. After undergoing fermentation, the free run juice is drained directly off skins to barrel for native malolactic fermentation and aging, not being touched again until blending in early Spring.