2015 Barrack Family Ten-Goal Magnum (1.5L)

Cabernet Sauvignon

2015 Barrack Family Estate Ten-Goal

AVA

HAPPY CANYON OF SANTA BARBARA

ESTATE GROWN, HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD

82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec

Alcohol 13.4%, pH 3.55 and TA 7.0 g/L

WINEMAKING NOTES

2015 was another year of extreme drought conditions. Bud break was in late March, early April.  A much cooler then average May, along with highly windy conditions, resulted in low fruit with ultimate yields down 50% from average in our vineyards.  Warm to hot summer conditions, and much less fruit on the vines created a harvest that was the earliest on record, beginning mid-August.  The lower yields, hot weather, and early harvest resulted in tiny clusters of intensely colored, highly concentrated, flavorful grapes of incredible depth.  Our Cabernet Sauvignon Block 8 “Jodi’s Block” is a truly special vineyard; head trained vines planted to the steep southwest facing hillside.  Due to the steepness of the slope the vineyard is entirely hand done and the terrain has been untouched by machine.  Fermentation was carried out in small lots using old oak barrels and hand-crafted winemaking techniques.  The wine was then matured for 22 months in all new Taransaud “T5” French Oak Barrels.  The wine was racked three times in barrel and bottled in July of 2016.

TASTING NOTES

The finished wine has dark intense black / red velvet color with hues of magenta.  The aromas open with lush black fruits, brioche toast, plums, and cranberries that jump out of the glass.  On the palate, the wine has intensely structured tannins, superlatively balanced with dark fruit and steady acidity.  The wine displays stunning and persistent length with savory fruit, a lush mouthfeel, and complex fruit that evolve and develop as the wine opens in the glass.  The wine is blended with perfect amounts of Merlot, for mid-palate softness, Cabernet Franc adding a spicy lift, Malbec adding an earthy full rich flavor and Petit Verdot, with its intense color and powerful tannins seamlessly intertwining them all.  Pairs well with big fatty grilled meats.