Raymond Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon 2007

This Cabernet is a blend of three phenomenal growing areas for Cabernet Sauvignon: 70% of the grapes come from estate vineyards or our long-time vineyard partners in Napa, 24% from Sonoma County vineyards, and 6% from Lake County. The Napa Cabernet Sauvignon is the backbone of the blend; its terroir provides for full expression of black fruits and fleshy, full, forward and rich wines. Sonoma County has more coastal and fog influence; its Cabernet grapes give the wine structure, balance and acidity that makes them ideal for pairing with food. Lake County is a well-established although less known grape growing region dating back to 1880's. There, grapes are grown at a higher elevation (1400 ft to 2800 ft), and the region tends to have cooler winters and warmer summers with less fog. Budbreak and bloom are usually behind but the warmer summer weather allows them to catch up and are typically harvested at the same time. Their growing season is shorter than Napa but longer than Bordeaux, making for red, jammy wines that are soft and food friendly.