1998 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Winemaker's Notes Black cherry and chocolate aromas mingled with hints of sandalwood, tobacco, and graphite. In the mouth the wine opens with rich dark cherry and licorice flavors that flow evenly across the palate. It is a well-balanced wine, with good structure, and grippy tannins. Alcohol 14.3% Vineyard Owner/Manager Beckstoffer Oakville Vineyard : Andy Beckstoffer Hyde-South Vineyard : Hyde Family Vineyards Beckstoffer Oakville Vineyard , Hyde-South Vineyard Appellation Napa Valley Clones Beckstoffer Oakville Vineyard : 337 & 4 Hyde-South Vineyard : See Vineyard Age 4 years / 15 years Site Beckstoffer ? Well-drained, lightly colored gravelly soils with high mineral, low organic content situated on the Oakville bench. / Hyde - Hillside, alluvial sandy-clay loam, east, southeast exposure. Harvest Harvest Dates Beckstoffer-October 23 /Hyde-October 30 Harvest Brix Beckstoffer-25.9° /Hyde-24.6° Growing Season A cool, damp, spring delayed the start of the growing season, and contributed to a small crop yield. An extended, warm Indian Summer allowed the fruit to reach maturity with rich, complex flavors. Winemaking Hand-harvested grapes Fermented in open-top stainless steel fermentors 4-5-day cold maceration, 21 days total maceration Fermentation with indigenous yeast Malolactic fermentation in barrels Aged 19-months in Demptos and Taransaud French oak barrels, 50% new Unfined; bottled August 2000 Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon 75% / Merlot 25% Cases Produced 631 |