Winemaker's Tasting Note
“The steadily cool 2011 growing season resulted in long hangtime for the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes as they lingered on the vines into late October and early November before reaching maturity,” says Winemaker Chris Cooney. “The slow ripening preserved complexity, while the cumulative sun exposure developed rich, ripe flavors in the small crop. I call our 2011 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon classically Bordeaux-style in character, with elegant boysenberry, cassis and plum expression layered with hints of sage, minerals and black olive.” Texturally opulent Rutherford Dust tannins and vibrant acidity structure the red-fruit flavors, while new French oak barrels add integrated toffee, espresso and clove nuances.
Vineyard Notes
To achieve the Rutherford Dust signature in this Cabernet Sauvignon, we selected the vast majority of the grapes from two outstanding vineyards in the Rutherford American Viticultural Area: Beckstoffer Vineyard Georges III and Hewitt Vineyard. Both are rooted in well-draining benchland sites; Georges III is located on the eastern side of the appellation, while the Hewitt estate vineyard is on the west, as is our Provenance estate vineyard.
