Sullivan Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Recommendation:
Sullivan Vineyards 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon, Estate

Winemaking Notes:
The 2003 vintage in Rutherford was relatively cool and spring was rainy. Two short but strong heat waves in September were followed by a gentle Indian summer that allowed the grapes to finish their maturation. This resulted in fresh and tannic wines that are close in style to classical Bordeaux wines. This bottling is a blend of 75% of our three cabernet blocks and 25 % merlot for added complexity. Every lot brings in different layers to the wine, making it very seductive, balanced and complex. One Cabernet lot was racked once but the other two were not. The merlot wasn’t racked either. Most of the wine was thus aged on its lees. As lees break down in the wine they coat the harder tannins of the grapes and the oak allowing you to enjoy the wine young too.

Tasting Notes:
Color: Bright ruby

Nose: Very spicy with notes of licorice, clove and nutmeg weaved together with raspberry, cranberry and spearmint. After a long aeration aromas of leather and precious wood also develop.

Mouth: Medium bodied with a soft, silky entry. The mid body is round and rich. A very long (more than a minute) and tannic finish leaves along lasting impression. Flavors of oak and spices also come out in the finish.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	Rutherford, Napa Valley
Harvest:	Oct. 25, 2003
Details at Harvest:	Sugar: 23.2 Brix, Acidity: 0.64g/100mL, pH: 3.81
Maceration::	Recirculated over cap 3 times per day with extended maceration totaling 30 days
Aging:	18 months
Oak:	80% French Oak 20% American Oak:- 34.4% New Oak, 65.6% Used Oak
Alcohol:	13.5%
Blend:	75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot