Winemaker Notes
Our 2016 Half Mile shows deep purple and garnet hues that call to mind the black volcanic rock throughout our vineyard. In the glass, it entices with aromas of intense spiced plum, blackberry pie and a hint of black licorice. Also, velvety entry then fleshes out with juicy, ripe plum and fresh black cherry mid-palate. The flavors evolve further, expanding with notes of dark chocolate and a touch of toasted oak on the finish. This wine is youthful but well balanced, and the firm tannins give a cue to its longevity.
Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon 12% Petite Sirah 8% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This layered, complex and polished wine is compelling from the first scent of clove, black plum and black cherry to the rich, saturated flavors and the lingering spicedplum finish. A warm layer of soft tannins envelops the palate as subtle blackberry and dark-chocolate notes emerge with repeated sipping and linger on the finish. Aged for 18 months in all new Hungarian Kadar barrels, it will mature through 2030.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Half Mile comes from the Obsidian Ridge Vineyard planted at 2,640 feet in elevation. Deep ruby, the nose offers cassis, baked black cherries, chocolate mint, cedar and graphite with touches of clove, fresh tobacco leaf and red cherry sparks. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich, ripe and dense with a sturdy frame and just enough freshness on the long finish. This merits another couple of years in bottle. 500 cases were made.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Located within the greater Clear Lake appellation, the Red Hills AVA is perhaps the hottest spot right now in Lake County for new Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Recognizing the potential of its volcanic and obsidian heavy soils, many respected growers are flocking to the area. Andy Beckstoffer, a leader in escalating the quality and recognition of Napa Valley, has already invested heavily in the area.