WINEMAKER'S NOTES:
Rancho Chimiles, the classic California ranch high in the mountains east of Coombsville, is the home of the Cabernet Franc at the core of our perennially impressive blended red wine, CERRO SUR. These mature vines, in this very special terroir, produce a wine of singular character, aromatic enthusiasm, and fresh, focused flavors. After careful sorting, the grapes are carefully monitored through fermentation and maceration, giving the wine a fine texture and a narrow focus. This is followed by 22 months of aging in 50% new French oak barrels, and bottling without fining or filtration, giving the wine a depth and generosity that is incredibly appealing and age worthy
69% Cabernet Franc, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon
TASTING NOTES:
From a higher elevation north-facing site, the 2017 Cerro Sur is 73% Cabernet Franc and 27% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in 50% new French oak. It offers beautiful Cabernet Franc dark, chocolately fruit as well as plenty of tobacco, earth, forest floor, violets, and truffle aromas and flavors. Deep, rich, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, it’s already approachable yet will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.
- Jeb Dunnuck, 96 pts
This offers up perfumed cassis, warm cherry preserve and smoldering red tea aromas and flavors, set against a backdrop of savory and iron accents. The long finish unfurls slowly, with a smoldering feel. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2021 through 2032.
- Wine Spectator, 95 pts
