St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2018

Lively and expressive, this Cabernet shows off layered aromatics and rich flavors. Dark red fruits, wild berries and black cherry notes are complemented with spicy accents of clove, licorice and a bit of ground espresso bean. The concentrated flavors and smooth tannins are balanced with a thread of acidity for a long, juicy finish.

The fruit for Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is grown at high elevations on sloped hillsides with good drainage. Climbing as high as 1400 feet along the sun-drenched, western-facing slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, the fruit sits well above the fog line. Naturally protected from the wind, dry hot days combine with bracingly cold nights which puts an element of stress on the vines resulting in small clusters, small berries and intensified flavors. The grapes were hand-sorted and underwent a two-day cold soak prior to fermentation to extract optimal color and flavor. After primary fermentation, the wine was then aged in French oak barrels, 75% new, where it underwent malolactic fermentation, followed by 20 months of aging.