2006 Yverdon Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5 L

Vintage Notes:   2006 was one of the wettest seasons in recorded history on Spring Mountain, reaching 100 inches in some areas.  The cold, wet winter delayed bud break to Mid/Late April and although the fairly warm spring conditions provided some catch up, bloom and veraison were also delayed, resulting in a later than normal harvest.  The summer conditions were similar to 2005 with average temperatures in June and warmer than normal conditions in July.  August and September were idyllic and maturation proceeded smoothly through those months setting up perfect harvest conditions in October and a bit into November.

Vineyard Notes:  In 2001, Terra Valentine began the 2nd phase of our development: The renovation of the historic Yverdon Vineyard.  Named after an ancient merchant town in Switzerland, Yverdon (pronounced ee-ver-dun) was 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 and rootstocks ideal to our soil types and elevation.  We planted eight acres of cabernet sauvignon and one acre of merlot at an elevation of 2000 feet located only yards away from Villa Valentine.  2004 was our first harvest from this vineyard.

Winemaking Notes: The 2006 Yverdon Cabernet is made from 100% cabernet sauvignon and is the second vintage from our newest estate vineyard.  The grapes were harvested in mid to late October with the last pick occurring on October 30th.  The clusters were hand-sorted followed by additional sorting of the must.  Fermentation and extended maceration occurred over a 30-day period.  Free run was kept separate from press juice and put into French oak barrels, 45% new and 55% once-used.  The wine was aged for 22 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes: Inky dark fruits, vanillin, and black walnut mingle with exotic spices and sweet pipe tobacco.  Notice how the brightness of this wine complements the full, plush mid-palate and fine, silt-like tannins that lend to the superb mouth-feel and exceptional balance.  Estimated maturity: 2013-2020