Brassfield Estate Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
(High Valley, Lake County, California) - [WE 93]

About the Vineyard:
Our vineyards range from the High Valley floor up to the surrounding volcanic ridges. The unique nature of this terrain's microclimates makes for challenging growing, and the resulting wines are made to stand up to that challenge. From the two exposures of the Monte Sereno Vineyard to the top of Volcano Ridge, Brassfield Estate's grapes are dynamic in their character and delicious in their flavor.

Winemaker Notes: 

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve presents an intense aroma that immediately draws you in.The nose is rich with ripe blackberry and a bouquet of purple flowers, creating a fragrant and alluring first impression. Underlying notes of tobacco and toasted oak add a layer of complexity and sophistication. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied yet robust, featuring strong oak spice that provides a dynamic and warming sensation. Black currants and a hint of liqueur add depth and richness, enhancing the wine's flavorful profile.The robust tannins offer a firm structure, supporting the wine’s bold character and contributing to its lasting finish.The finish is notably enduring, with a persistent oak spice that lingers and evolves, leaving a memorable impression of the wine’s complexity and strength.This Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a well-rounded and compelling choice for those who appreciate a powerful and nuanced wine experience.

COMPOSITION: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Malbec, 5% Merlot

WINEMAKING: At Brassfield Estate, our winemaking emphasizes quality and the use of traditional hand-crafted techniques, creating wines that have power and finesse. The grapes for this wine are sourced from exceptional blocks within our Volcano Ridge, Block 14 and Ridgeline West Vineyards, which are known to produce the highest quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit was then carefully sorted and gently transferred into a combination of open top French oak puncheons and stainless-steel tanks. We kept fermentations healthy with pump overs in the stainless-steel tank, and twice daily punch-downs in the open top puncheons. After sending wines to 30% new French Oak and 70% neutral barrels, we allowed our wines to undergo malolactic fermentation in our extensive wine caves. This wine was stirred monthly on its lees to achieve body and texture and aged for 20 months. This wine was lightly fined and bottled with minimal filtration to preserve aromatics and maximize quality.

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
This wine is bright, rich, with aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, chicory, dried florals, and notes of toasted vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry, blueberry, chocolate cherry, orange vanilla cream, and juicy mouthwatering tannins on the finish. Pair with Steak Bavette, Red Bell Pepper Mash Potatoes, Charred Broccoli Rabe