Country: USA Region: Sonoma, California Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2018 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Benzinger Description: Blended from premiere benchland vineyards, our Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon is graceful yet profound and youthful yet polished. Inviting aromas of black cherry and blackberry fruit dusted with chocolate, along with dried herbs, cinnamon and vanilla. An elegant, juicy entry with flavors of berry cobbler followed by mocha and wood spice unite, layer by layer to form a finish that is rich with structured tannins. Grape lots were blended from several bench land and mountain ranches that naturally yield smaller crops and result in intensely colored and flavored wine. Vine canopies were carefully managed to protect the grapes from direct sunlight while the fruit was allowed an extended hang time to fully ripen. In the winery we used a variety of techniques to maximize flavor intensity while managing tannin levels including cold soaking, pump over, and varying fermentation lengths and temperatures. The wine was aged in oak for 16 months. The 2012 vintage is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Merlot, 5% Malbec and 3% Cabernet Franc. 2012 proved to be a seamless year for growing wine grapes of quality. Dry spring days were ideal for even bud break and cane growth. Mildew pressure minimized by a drier than normal spring and early summer winds helped keep the humidity low. Flowering and set was complete in a short and even cycle resulting in balanced vines. Full flavor maturity was reached at lower sugar levels while still retaining postured and vibrant acidity providing lift and length as well as integrated tannins and excellent flavor extraction. Other vintages showing a similar memorable pedigree are 2007 and 1991.   Ageing Potential:5 - 6 YearsFood Matches: Venison / Spicy / Beef / Game The question that begs to be answered is why so many producers ignore what Cartlidge and Browne does better than just about anybody else in the state, produce fruit forward, pure, varietally correct, delicious wines. - Wine Advocate Magazine