Vintage: After a string of difficult harvests, the 2022 vintage could almost be considered normal. Moderate, but still below average winter rains gave the vines some much needed drought relief. Mild spring weather allowed the vines to set a nice crop - yields were down about 15 percent. Picking started in late August, but then a record setting heat wave in mid- September kicked everything into overdrive. The wines of 2022 show finesse and balance; along with beautiful fruit flavors and aromas.
Vineyards: The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 400 acres of hills and valleys which contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash and rock. The combination of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures, provides ideal conditions for wine-growing. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in several different sites - on steep, southwestern facing hillsides. The vines range from 26 - 48 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec are blended in to provide additional softness, structure, and complexity.
Harvest: Sept. 29 – Oct. 18 • 24.6 ºBrix • 3.53 pH • 6.4 g/L TA
Winemaking: All of the fruit was gently destemmed and crushed, then inoculated with Pasteur Red yeast. Fermentations were pumped-over twice daily, with the temperature peaking at 88º F. Maceration time varied from 14 to 30 days depending on vineyard block. The wine was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (45% new). The final blend is 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. This wine is drinkable now, but will gracefully age for the next 15 - 20 years.
Wine Analysis: 14.2% alcohol • 3.64 pH • 6.0 g/l TA
Tasting Notes: A complex nose of boysenberry, raspberry, and cassis; with hints of cedar and vanilla. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of black cherry, red currants, and berry jam. Ripe tannins focus the palate and provide a lengthy finish of spice and red fruit.
