CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Cabernet sauvignon is the premier red winegrape of many countries around the world and is well known for its Bordeaux origins and New World Meritage blends with Merlot, Malbec, Petite verdot, Cabernet franc and others. Structured with a "firmer" core of tannins than Merlot, the aroma and flavors can range from black fruits and cassis to green vegetables and spices. The Wine Aroma Wheel was specifically developed at UC Davis for the in the late 1980's by Ann Noble, Rich Arnold, John Buechsenstein, Jane Leach, Peter Stern and myself (abstract) for the use with these complex red wines.
Cabernet sauvignon is a Vitis vinifera grape varietal with small tough-skinned berries that hangs in a loose cluster. Able to withstand late rains well, this variety gains flavor and complexity with long, moderate hang times. Descended as a cross between Sauvignon blanc and Cabernet franc, these grapes need good sun exposure to bring out the best, complex fruity characters. One of the last varieties to bloom in Spring, Cabernet rarely suffers any frost damage.
Our vineyard continually cycles blocks through planting, young growth, maturity and replanting to maintain the optimum characteristics of each rootstock/clone union. Our blocks are a mixture of American and French clones on 5BB and 5C.
Planted on a VSP trellis system to allows us to easily control all aspects of vine growth and cluster sun exposure, Cabernet is normally cultivated with a medium vigor cover crop. We occasionally disc the cover crop under in the Spring if rainfall amounts have been low. Our blocks are all planted to different rootstock/clone combinations and are individually pressure bomb tested and deficit irrigated.
More Cabernet sauvignon information is available at the Cellar Notes website and the Professional Friends of Wine website.