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2018 Clone 6 Cabernet Sauvignon 6L
Our signature wine, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a study in singularity. Elegant and refined, our Clone 6 features luscious Napa fruit, grown on a vine that clearly has roots reaching back to Bordeaux.
$1,600.00
Vineyard
The grapes for this wine are sourced from the northeast flank of Howell Mountain. Following his work identifying the differences between various Cabernet sauvignon clones, Anthony Bell spent many hours in this vineyard, introducing Clone 6 from budwood taken off BV’s block 4, where he conducted the clonal trials in 1980. Clone 6 is known to be a winemaker’s favorite Cabernet clone, due to the very small berry size, loose clusters and low pyrazine content. These all lead to an amazingly concentrated wine that lends itself to diverse winemaking styles without any overt green/bell pepper notes in less ripe versions, or overripe flavors in the case of later picks. The thick skins break down slowly during fermentation, preserving the freshness of fruit, and allowing control over tannin extraction. The best of all worlds!
Vinification
The grapes are hand-harvested and gently crushed to retain 40% whole berries. Color extraction is accomplished via gentle cap irrigations. The grapes were drained and pressed at dryness. The free-run and press wines were kept separate. Following fermentation the wine went through malo-lactic fermentation in barrel. The wine was aged in 100% French barrels, 77% new, for 20 months and was racked several times during aging to naturally clarify the wine and soften the tannins. With no filtration or fining, the wine was laid down in bottle prior to release.
Vintage Notes
The 2018 vintage in California was one that rewarded patience. A welcome reprieve from the string of hot, drought-prone years that preceded it, and the disastrous nature of the wildfires that impacted 2017, this new vintage granted Napa Valley and many other viticultural areas a ripe but balanced crop. The near picture-perfect growing season began with budbreak in late February. Spring was mild, with extended flowering yielding uniform grape clusters. Temperatures remained steady and warm throughout the growing season, without any significant heat spikes, making for an even, unhurried harvest. After a brief bout of rain at the start of October slowed things down a little, the slightly lighter-than-average (yet largest since 2012) crop size allowed continued ripening under gentle conditions.
Tasting Notes
Our flagship clone proves again why it makes such an exceptional wine. A deep maroon color in the glass hints at the extraordinary depth and richness it possesses. Aromas of brandied cherries, cassis and cinnamon lead the experience. Rich purple fruits, kirsch, and sweet tobacco dominate the palate and are supported with nuances of violet, vanilla bean and bittersweet cacao. The well-structured tannins and deft acid balance promise a long life ahead. Be sure to give this beauty a good decant before enjoying. Drink from 2022-2030
Technical Analysis
Varietal Cabernet sauvignon, 100%, Clone 6
Harvest Date October 22, 2018
Harvest Sugar 27.6 Brix
Harvest Acid 0.33 gm/100ml
Total Acid 0.59 gm/100ml
pH 3.67
Alcohol 14.9
Aging 20 months in 100% French Oak, 77% new
Bottle Date July 29, 2020
