Ever since returning from Crushpad Bordeaux to man the helm of Sales Account Management at Crushpad Sonoma, I’ve been searching for the best vineyard source of Cabernet Sauvignon to create a similar Bordeaux style blend to pair with my 2010 Margaux-based blend. After sampling all of Crushpad’s 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon production, I focused on the Cabs form the coolest part of the valley, the Coombsville/Tolucay area: Carrefour, Coombsville and Reverence. Samples from each of these vineyards proved more than “worthy” but the Reverence vineyard stood out as best for my needs.
Once past the vineyard selection (which I though was the hard part), I pulled samples from several barrels to analyze and taste.
Science Guides, But Taste Decides
Armed with my trusty (hobby) refractometer and pH meter, I set off analyzing each sample hoping to get a scientific hint on which sample to choose. The Brix readings appeared way off due to a bad calibration that I wasn’t able to resolve (but will double check in the lab this week) but the pH range of 3.82-3.66 appeared reasonable.
The color on all of these young samples were mostly indistinguishable with their deep ruby core fading all the way out to a pinkish rim. One sample, had a touch of garnet in the core but no organoleptic indicators of oxidation. Two of the samples expressed cassis and ripe fruit, two other samples were layered with a bit of confectionary sugar, and the last two samples gave more red fruit and floral notes — just what I was looking for. Long tannins and good acidity was displayed by all of the samples. But the samples offering more red fruit had a touch more vibrant acidity. Again, exactly the cool climate traits that I desire.
All of these samples were aging in medium toasted barrels used since 2008 from an array of coopers. The sample that I enjoyed the best, and will secure tomorrow was made by Sansaud.
I can’t wait for the next step: the Assemblage.
