2020 Silver Lake Cabernet

Ripe Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were harvested, crushed and de-stemmed, then transferred to stainless steel tanks where the juice was inoculated with selected yeast strains. ­ The wine was fermented at ~80°F for 14 days using pumpovers for gentle tannin extraction. Upon completion of primary fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation.  Once secondary fermentation was complete the wine was transferred to tank and barrels for aging.  The wine was then prepped for bottling.   The 2020 vintage started fast, but ‑finished slow for the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. An unseasonably warm spring led to a warmer than average summer, and the warm temperatures continued through early fall. However, as fall progressed, temperatures dropped of rapidly, and October was very cool and wet. Later ripening varietals such as Cabernet and Cabernet Franc were affected by the cool wet weather of late fall, delaying ripening. Due to the warm, extended vintage, the 2020 Cabernet expresses excellent dark berry, rich red fruits, and sweetness on the palate, with balanced acidity for a deep and lengthy finish.