Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Game Ranch fra Goldschmidt, Napa Valley - Californien
Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt makes his Oakville Game Ranch in a very approachable, elegant style. Sourced from the eastern-end of Oakville Cross Road, the soils here transition from volcanic red clay to brown, gravelly loam. This is the only knoll within the valley itself. The soil offers exceptionally good drainage which controls vigor, producing smaller berries and ultimately, wines with deeper concentration. Soil waterholding capacity is sufficient enough to prevent dehydration, thus protecting the critical balance of fruit flavor to alcohol. The Game Ranch Cabernet shows gorgeous fruit, ripe tannins, and a savory minerality.
Vintage 2021 was one of the longest ripening seasons for the past two decades. Seasons are starting earlier due to lack of water; creating early warm Spring soil temperatures. This is evened out with the August cooling trend at veraison. However, there was the heat spike over Mother's Day weekend which restricted the berry expansion. Yields were lighter with small berries and small clusters. All this led to unusually dense concentration.
Purple to red garnet in color. Aromas of ripe raspberry, cedar, black cherry, plum and crème caramel on the nose are perfectly balanced and intense to ready the pallet. The flavor opens candied fruits such as cherries and dark peach. Cocoa powder deepens mid-palate into a more complex blend of plum, red earth, essence of vanilla and creamy supple tannins. It's pretty and refined. Pair with surf and turf, braised short rib risotto and a beautiful sunset.
Alc. 14.9%, Lagring: 17 months in New French oak barriques.
Drue: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon fra Oakville.
CELLARING POTENTIAL up to 25 years.
FILTERING Unfined / Unfiltered / Vegan
Drue: 100% Zinfandel fra Alexander Valley.