Peters Family 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, Gardner Vineyard

Winemaking Notes:
After the outstanding 2002 growing season, the grapes were hand-picked after achieving full ripeness, at slightly lower brix levels than in the 2001 vintage. The grapes were whole-berry de-stemmed and cold-soaked on the skins for 48 hours, prior to inoculation with a Bordeaux yeast strain. In order to achieve maximum extraction and fruit concentration, maceration was extended for 40-45 days.

Aging Notes:
100% free-run wine only was moved to a selection of 100% new French oak. Because of its powerful structure, the wine was aged for 28 months in barrels before the final blend assemblage was completed. 5% Syrah was added in the final blend assemblage to promote complexity of the blend. The wine was returned to barrel for 1 month to integrate in barrel prior to being bottled 100% unfined and unfiltered.

Tasting Notes:
A rich, powerful cabernet sauvignon which exhibits exceptional purity, intensity, and complexity of varietal flavor! On the nose the wine displays perfumed, opulent aromas of dark berries, cassis, minerals, and mint. On the palate the wine exhibits a lush array of grape, blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla and truffle notes, with mineral, coffee, and caramel notes on the lengthy, layered, richly tannic finish. The intense fruit concentration, layers of glycerin, and powerful tannins balance beautifully to produce a classic cabernet sauvignon with great cellar potential.

To appreciate the full complexity of this cabernet sauvignon in its youth, we recommend decanting, and allowing the wine to breathe for at least one hour prior to tasting.

Technical Notes:

Vintage:	2002
Appellation:	Sierra Foothils
Vineyard:	Gardner Vineyard
Case Production:	265
Bottling Date:	April 8, 2005
Release Date:	June 2005
Harvest Date:	November 2, 2002
Brix:	24 degrees
pH:	3.65
TA:	6.6 g/l
Alcohol:	13.5%