We sourced the fruit for our 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon from our winery estate located on the eastern reaches of Napa County. The winery estate is located at 800ft above sea level and daytime temperatures there are typically 3-5 degrees warmer than on the valley floor.
The increased temperatures at the vineyard site contributed to complete ripening of the fruit which in turn also helped create the crowd pleasing plush flavor profiles Vineyard 985 is known for.
Winemaking & Tasting Notes
The early growing season was ideal at the start of 2020 with fairly mild temperatures. The summer of 2020 was dry with very warm days and cool nights. Fortunately the vineyard was unaffected by the fires of 2020 and the harvested fruit was truly outstanding.
We hand picked our grapes at night in early October at the peak of ripeness. The fruit was crushed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks on site. The wine was stored in French oak barrels (70% new) for 22 months in the winery’s caves. This vintage consists of 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 2% Caberent Franc.
The wine is full on the palate with a beautiful balance between fruit, oak and alcohol. Flavors of robust red jammy fruits complimented with secondary notes of baking spice and a hint of dried herbs finish the wine.
The wine also features the featherweight tannins and long soft finish Vineyard 985 fans have grown accustomed to. The wine is approachable upon release but will perform well over the next 8 to 10 years.