2010 The Watershed

A Bordeaux varietal blend of Cabernet Franc 38%, Cabernet Sauvignon 28% , Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 16%

Tasting Notes:

The Watershed offers complex earth, spice and fruit aromas including clove, blueberry, blackberry, and cherry. You will taste coffee and caramel wrapped around a creamy Merlot mouthfeel. This wine features our trademark acidity and fine, yet vivid tannins. Bottled in August 2012, this bright young beauty will deepen, soften and improve for years to come.

Grower Notes:

Our vineyard is planted on a ridge that divides the Jack Creek and Tablas Creek drainages--hence the name "The Watershed". 2010 was a historically cool vintage that promoted long hang times and nicely balanced wines. This is the first year we had Petit Verdot from newly grafted vines to include in the blend. Picked near the end of the season, we co-fermented all 4 varieties to create a tightly integrated wine that still reveals the varietal components. Petit Verdot adds dark fruit and floral aromas. Cabernet Franc beefs up the structure with acidity, coffee notes and a distinctive hint of sage green. Merlot provides its trademark velvety texture and alluring ripeness, while the Cabernet Sauvignon lends its fragrant cherries and earthy nobility.

Technical Notes:

• Harvest Dates: Oct. 1 - Oct 28th
• Alc: 14.7%
• pH: 3.82
• TA: .71 g/100m
• Aging: 22 Months in barrel
• Barrels: 56% New French Oak
• Cases: 102
• Winemaker: Shannon Gustafson
• Winegrower: Laird Foshay and Family