Winter Release Ballard Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
2017

Winemaker’s Notes

Ballard Vineyard is surrounded by dense untamed forest, high above the fog line, close to the summit of Spring Mountain. Our DuMOL parcel contains mature vines planted in deep, dark red, loosely textured volcanic soils with an unusually high amount of organic material. This wild forest setting is directly articulated by the wine’s exotic aromatics, powerful dark fruit and intriguing pine needle and bay laurel nuance. Patient, observant and finely tuned organic farming ensures the vineyard’s natural expression is always the main focus of the wine.

Effusive aromas of blackberry, sweet mint, wild thyme and crushed rock reflect this wine’s mountaintop origins. The palate is supple, expansive and deep. Pure, focused flavors of black plum and piercing cassis are framed by complex elements of black tea, cherry pit, black pepper and a dusting of cocoa. Like its predecessors, this 2017 bottling slowly unfolds, layer upon velvety layer—a dynamic interplay between dark ripe fruit extract; site-driven complexity and broad, succulent mountain structure. Magnificent.

Decant the wine an hour prior to drinking if opening soon after release. This gloriously expressive wine will continue to evolve with 20+ years of cellaring; those who are patient will find great reward.  

Andy Smith Viticulturist, Winemaker & Partner