2005 Yverdon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5 L

 Vineyard Notes:  In 2001, Terra Valentine began the 2nd phase of our development:  the renovation of the historic Yverdon Vineyard.  Named after a western wine town in Switzerland, Yverdon (Eee-ver-don) is the name of the winery site that Angus and Margaret Wurtele purchased in 1999 to become Terra Valentine.  With the help of our vineyard management team and renowned consultants, we selected specific clones ideal to our soil types and elevation.  We planted 8 acres of cabernet sauvignon and one acre of merlot at an elevation of 2000 feet located only yards away from Villa Valentine.  2004 was the first harvest from this vineyard. 

Vintage Notes:  The 2005 winter rains took pause for a dry, mild March, resulting in an early bud break.  April began again with record-setting precipitation late into the growing season delaying bloom and set.  The summer months were cool and pleasant with few heat spikes.  Fog and cool temperatures were a concern heading into September, as sugar levels were yet to rise in all varieties.  Warm, nearly perfect conditions arrived with an Indian summer providing us with excellent sugar development and balanced acids.  Extended hang times resulted in one of our latest harvests to date.

Winemaking Notes:  The 2005 Yverdon Cabernet is made from 100% cabernet sauvignon and is the second vintage from our newest estate vineyard.  The grapes were handpicked and hand sorted during crush.  Fermentation occurred during a 22-day period and was aged for 22 months in French oak, 45% of which was new and 55% once used.  The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:  Sweet red currants fill the nose with hints of minerals and exotic spices.  Creme de cassis, anise and mint greet the palate leading to a long, silky finish.  This wine is lush exuding complexity and elegance.