Outlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
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In part due to the contribution of the Malbec and Petit Verdot in this wine, the 2016 Outlot Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep inky purple. The rich nose shows luscious black plum, mint, maple, and bay laurel with a hint of lavender. Sumptuous and darkly delicious with supple tannins on the entry that firm-up on the mid-palate and finish. Packed with dark cherry and rich loamy flavors, the wine is overlaid with notes of spice, mocha, and coffee bean.
Blend: 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot
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2014-
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Outlot wines are a tribute to Sonoma’s rich agricultural heritage. Outlot by definition, is a piece of land situated outside a town or city limits. Outlot, to us, is the special area just outside Healdsburg, fondly known to locals as the “Magnolia Peninsula”. Bordered to the west by Dry Creek, the east by Foss Creek, and the south by the Russian River, this area has a long and rich history filled with stories of great ranches and exclusive resorts. Famous for its rich soil, as much as 24-feet deep in some areas, nurseries and orchards thrived here from the late 1800s, ultimately giving way to the vineyards that are abundant in the area today.
Had it not been for the dedicated farmers who live in the area, this rich farming land and heritage may not exist today. Threatened by development in the early 1970s, outraged farmers fought to protect the land in a decade long battle – the “battle for Healdsburg’s Magnolia Peninsula”. With this wine, we celebrate the area and honor those that fought to ensure the Magnolia Peninsula would remain as it was back in the late 1800s, a rich farmland where vines and orchards thrive. It is living history in the modern era.
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.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.