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Erich Bradley Winemaker, Eleazar Calderon Vineyard Manager. High altitude, 600 to 1800ft vineyard, southwestern facing, Sonoma side of Mt. Veeder, Estate vineyard fruit from the Mountain Terraces Vineyard, each grape cluster’s shoulders were removed by hand and dropped for equal ripeness in the remaining cluster.  Native yeast & open top fermentation in small bins and pushed down by hand, 40% new French oak,

Overall-  A top American Cabernet from one of the western hemisphere’s absolute best vineyard sites; stately, structured and terroir driven, with rigorous, intense dark fruit, mineral and chocolate flavors.  The winemaking of Erich Bradley is again spot on with perfect oak management, balanced, mature phenol flavors and perfect cap extraction and maceration while supporting and showcasing the terroir.  The vineyard is farmed and managed to the absolute highest standards physically seen.  The soil of this vineyard is identical to the soils of Chateau Leoville las Cases of St. Julien in Bordeaux in lab test.  This wine would make a Bordelaise cry and is easily confused with a First Growth Bordeaux in the Medoc.  With decanting or age this wine supersedes California’s best potential.  Keep giving Erich Bradley America’s best grapes and he will continue to deliver on some of the world’s best wines.  Age this wine from 12 to 17 years, decant for 10 to 15 minutes and serve at 67-70F for best results.

WHY 99PTS?  1) Captured the rockiness of the mountain vineyard and the redwood brush on all sides of it. 2) Natural aging potential based on mineral components rather than simple oak tannins or unbalanced acids. 3) This wine tells its own, complete story.  4) Nothing could be done to the winemaking or the vineyard to make this wine better.  5) Loaded with character, structure, terroir, balance, savage power, and an ageable refinement.  6) All winemaking choices fit and support the vineyard fruit exactly without getting in the way of its terroir.

-Robert O’Maoilriain, Oct 2009