Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

VINTAGE NOTES
Late winter rains followed by ideal spring growing conditions set the stage for the 2021 vintage. Mild temperatures punctuated this drought year with only a few heat spikes during the summer months that led to early ripening and allowed us to harvest some early blocks with incredible old-world charm and intriguing complexity. Grapes that were harvested later benefited from the longer hang time and ripened perfectly, displaying great depth with distinct regional character. The ideal weather of 2021, coupled with lower yields, produced wines that offer intense aromatics and flavors with excellent aging potential.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD
Developed by Dr. Jan Krupp and his brother, Bart, in the mid-1990s, Stagecoach Vineyards® was a massive project that involved removing over one million tons of rock to develop the vineyard. Located on the western edge of the Atlas Peak AVA, Stagecoach Vineyards® is next door to the acclaimed Pritchard Hill growing region and the two share many similar terroir attributes, including rocky, volcanic ash-laden red soils. Warm afternoon temperatures here are moderated by vineyards planted more than 1,200 feet in elevation, as well as cool afternoon breezes from nearby San Pablo Bay.

WINEMAKING
This wine is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, and was 100% barrel fermented in French oak, 50% new and 50% one-year-old barriques, and then aged in the same barrel composition.

Sight: Opaque black ruby red

Nose: Rustic cassis and raspberry aromas mix with notes of hibiscus flower, bittersweet chocolate, iron, graphite, and cookie dough.

Palate: Macerated red berry and blackberry flavors accent hints of dried herbs, flinty iron, and cocoa powder that culminate in a long, structured finish.