Obsidian Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

The 2003 bottling from our vineyard is one of the first from any vineyard in the Red Hills appellation. Although there are few wines from which to draw a conclusion, the quality of this wine indicates that the climate is favorable for developing and preserving the distinctive flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon. Classic cedar and cassis handily identify this wine as a Cabernet, while the flesh and ripe sweetness of the cult California wine style sign off on this wine's new appellation. Most importantly, it is the huge tannic presence of the mountainous growing conditions that wins the argument; this is a Cabernet of substance, bearing and pedigree.

In 2003 we harvested the young vines on September 24th at 26.7 Brix, 3.75 pH and 5.2g/L titratable acidity. The de-stemmed must was fermented in open-top bins for two weeks and drained down to 50% new Budapesti Kadar barrels. The wine was aged 12 months and bottled in December 2004.