Stuhlmuller Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Critical Acclaim: 95 pts Wine Enthusiast.

About the Wine: The fruit for this Cabernet emphasizes three clones, from seven separate blocks, with vines from 15 to 30+ years old. From the river benchland, we use our clone 337 for its fruit-forward black cherry flavors. Hillside clone 7 fruit adds floral layers and classic Cabernet cassis and cherry elements. Our oldest plantings, a field selection from the Belle Terre Vineyard, provide tannic concentration and blue fruit notes. After a wet spring that energized the vines, summer brought mild warm and dry weather that continued into autumn. Our vineyard set an average size crop, and thanks to a full canopy, we had ideal shade on the fruit. As a result, our vines produced pristine grapes, with excellent natural acidity, lovely balance, and pure varietal flavors. The moderate temperatures led to a relaxed picking of a crop of exceptional quality. Our Cabernet harvest resulted in seven individual native fermentations, without any commercial yeast being added, in a mix of open-top and closed-top tanks. In the closed-top tanks, the must was pumped-over, which added to palate texture; while the open-top tanks had a punch-down regimen, which retained fruit intensity. The wine was racked to 45% new French oak and underwent spontaneous malolactic fermentation. Each lot was aged separately for 10 months before blending, with barrel aging for a total of 18 months. 

Winemaker's Tasting Notes: The concentrated 2019 vintage has delivered everything we love in an Alexander Valley Cabernet, with aromas of blackberry, currant, and ripe plum. On the palate, the texture is big and juicy. Structured tannins add definition to the rich flavors of dark berries and crème de cassis, as well as layers of saddle leather, sweet oak, and spice. Ample natural acidity provides length and freshness. 

"This estate-grown wine is a great find and a great value. Rich black fruits and intricate oak spices form a compelling blend in this well-saturated, deep and complex wine. Moderate to full tannins support blueberries, new leather and ginger flavors that expand on the palate and linger on the finish. It will be best from 2027–2037."- Wine Enthusiast. 

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon.