Description
ESTATE VINEYARD:
2019 BRAND Napa Valley Proprietary Blend
Organically farmed and thoughtfully cultivated using biodynamic practices, BRAND Napa Valley produces wines that are an authentic expression of place. The finest Cabernet Franc from our rocky Pritchard Hill estate is found above the winery at 1300 feet. These vineyard blocks overlook Lake Hennessey and are sheltered in a shallow bowl ringed by trees. Cooling breezes from both the coast and lake moderate the daytime temperatures, creating ideal growing conditions for Cabernet Franc.
* Aiken soil type: Possessing distinctive bright red color, the deeper, friable clay loam sits above massive volcanic andesite rock. * Clones: CF 332 and 327; CS SEE, 169, 685, 337
VINTAGE NOTES:
2019 began with welcome rainfall and cool temperatures. The late budbreak and bloom were followed by temperate summer growing conditions. The grapes benefited from the warm fall weather and steady pace of ripening, rewarding us with optimum tannin and flavor development. Later than usual, harvest took place entirely in October.
HARVEST DATES:
October 7-24, 2019
WINEMAKING:
o Thegrapeswerecarefullysortedandminimallyhandledtopreservethe elegance of Cabernet Franc.
o Fermentedinacombinationofbarrelsandsmallstainless-steel double-jacketed tanks by ambient yeast or pure cultures, depending
on the characteristics of each lot.
o AgedinFrenchoakbarrelsfor22months.61%newFrenchoakbarrels
selected from 6-8 coopers including Taransaud T-5, Ermitage, Sylvain
and Demptos.
o SelectbarrelsofCabernetSauvignonwereincorporatedatblending,
adding depth and resonance to the wine’s elegant beauty. o Bottledunfinedandunfiltered.
o 62% Cabernet Franc, 38% Cabernet Sauvignon
o 14.7%Alc.
TASTING NOTES:
The 2019 Proprietary Blend is our finest Cabernet Franc blended with individual barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon added for lift and verve to create a wine of great finesse. The 2019 Proprietary Blend possesses the structure to support extended aging along with the refined and silky texture for pleasurable drinking while young.
