Ladera 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lone Canyon Vineyard

Vineyard Notes:
The 2003 Ladera Lone Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon is truly an expression of the Lone Canyon vineyard itself. The unique terroir of this vineyard allows the fruit to showcase the vintage at hand. Lone Canyon Vineyard is located adjacent to Mt. Veeder in the southwestern hills of the Napa Valley. The ranch consists of 480 acres of which 75 are planted to vineyards. The topography is very steep in some areas with elevations reaching 1,100 feet above sea level. The elevations, as well as its specific location in Napa Valley, contribute to the cooler climate at Lone Canyon. The clay loam soils are of moderate depth and are very well drained. The average yields for 2003 were 2 tons per acre.

The 2003 growing season was an interesting one. With substantial rainfall from the winter months, plant growth was abundant with bud break taking place in late March. In April, over 5 ½ inches of rain fell in the Napa Valley. This slowed down the progression of the vines and bloom was not complete until late June. A warm summer with temperatures consistently in the high 80’s followed. In September, the weather was cooler than average and was followed by a very warm October. This allowed for even ripening over a longer period. The end result of this unique growing season was a late harvest of high quality beginning on September 24 with the final picking on October 25.

Winemaking Notes:
Our 2003 Lone Canyon Cabernet’s were cold soaked for upwards of 5 days before the commencement of fermentation. A combination of multiple strains of commercial and native wine yeasts were used. The average fermentations lasted 13. The free run wine was then separated from the skins which were pressed at several intervals of pressure; determined by taste and tannin intensity. The wine was then barrel aged for 22 months in French oak barrels (71% new). The wine was bottled August 18, 2005.

Tasting Notes:
The 2003 Lone Canyon Cabernet is a perfect example of how rich, bold and extracted the wines from this property can be. This wine is exuberant in color and the aromas are alive with spicy and herbal fruit. The nose is further complimented by earthy, brambly undertones and silhouettes of cola. A full bodied entry hits the palate with enticing flavors of blackberry and dark cherry. The wine is layered with textures that are bold and masculine yet maintain tannins of a velvety character. The dark and ripe fruit flavors intertwine with the tannins to carry through to a long and plush finish.