Winemaker Notes
In the second half of the 19th Century, explorers flocked to the American West in search of freedom and fortune. Crafted with their stories in mind, Prospectors’ Proof Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the qualities of adventure and optimism. This rich,full-flavored Cabernet Sauvignon expresses a pioneering spirit along with signature bourbon barrel notes of charred vanilla and dried herbs.Each lot began its journey in traditional French and American oak wine barrels. Then,in true 1000 Stories fashion, winemaker Bob Blue finished a small portion of the wine in new bourbon barrels, with the balance aged in neutral bourbon barrels. The result is a signature 1000 Stories wine: layered and complex, with classic Cabernet flavors of cherries and currant, underscored by a nuanced thread of graphite. Our unique barrel aging process gave this wine its hints of burnt sugar, vanilla, dried herbs, and even a touch of smokiness.
Covering the most vine acreage in the state compared to any other red wine variety, Cabernet Sauvignon produces as much wine in California as Merlot and Pinot Noir combined. The state’s diverse terrain and microclimates, as well as the freedom of its winemakers, allow for an incredible range of wine styles from this single grape.
California’s most famous region—and especially for Cabernet Sauvignon—is the acclaimed Napa Valley. While Cabernet is successful throughout the world, rarely has it achieved such merit as it does from the Napa Valley. At this point the two are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other.
Napa’s closest neighbor, Sonoma County, does an impressive job keeping up with Napa’s fame and glory. Alexander Valley, Sonoma Mountain, Moon Mountain and Knights Valley contribute to the lot of some of California’s top-rated Cabernet Sauvignon.
Lake County in California’s North Coast has become a focus for some of Napa’s more respected growers. From the Central Coast come iconic examples of classic California Cabernet; Lodi and the Sierra Foothills are great budget-friendly sources of amicable Cabernets.