Wine Portfolio

Description

Winemaker Chris Phelps was given free rein in creating this Premiere wine, and he chose to collaborate with consultant Guillaume Thienpont from Vieux Château Certan in Pomerol. Guillaume’s experience, (Châteaux Margaux, Domaine Jean Grivot, Ornellaia) brought a fresh perspective to Chris’ own background (Dominus, Caymus, Chateau Pétrus) to create this single-barrel blend. The wine is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, a blend from ultra-premium Howell Mountain, Oakville and Yountville vineyard blocks, and 5% Merlot. The Cabernet components are the crème de la crème of Swanson’s 2011 vintage, and exhibit tannin ripeness and luscious black fruits. The Merlot, from a block adjacent to the Oakville To Kalon vineyards, softens the grip of the Cabernet, and adds flesh to the mid-palate.

Aging Process

30-day average maceration on skins. ML in barrel. 20 months in French oak barrels, 60% new.

Wine Facts

• pH: 3.72
• Wine is unfiltered
• Sustainably produced

Tasting Chart

bone dry		very sweet
light body		very full bodied
soft, gentle		very crisp
no tannins		heavy tannins