Renaissance 1997 Claret Prestige

Vintage Notes:
The 1997 growing season started with a perfect spring; warm, dry and sunny followed by a typically hot early summer. Bud was early; bloom was one of the earliest and most even in our memory

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
Impressive dark color, very youthful looking. A big, juicy wine, with black fruit and spicy aromas, massive concentration and depth, and a long, smooth finish. One of the best-balanced Cabernet blends in Renaissance's history. This wine is immensely satisfying right now yet would reward with extended cellaring for 15-25 years. Roast rack of lamb, venison, and game birds are this wine's natural table companions, but it would magically transform even a simple roast beef and baked-potato dinner into a royal feast.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	North Yuba, Sierra Foothills
Varietal Blend:	43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, 6% Syrah, 6% Sangiovese, 3% Malbec
Harvest:	September September 7-27, 1997
Average Brix:	24.0
Fermentation:	9-22 days. Hot fermentation in stainless steel tanks
Aging:	27 months in Old oak 225l barrels(American, French and German)
Alcohol:	12.6%
pH:	3.48