2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON, SONOMA VALLEY

CCOF Certified: Made from organic grapesVarietal: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit VerdotAppellation: Moon Mountain District Sonoma CountyVineyard: Amapola Creek Estate - CCOF Certified

Brix: 26.1˚TA at Harvest: 5.5g/LpH at Harvest: 3.40Aging: 24 months in new and seasoned French oak barrelsAlcohol: 15.2% by volume

Winemaker: Richard ArrowoodProduction: 1540 cases

THE VINEYARD

Spread along 600 vertical feet of a sun-washed western slope of the Mayacamas range, our 100+ acre Amapola Creek ranch borders the highly acclaimed Monte Rosso Vineyards. The red, basaltic volcanic soils we share with our esteemed next-door neighbor have yielded superb wine for well over the last century. The rhyolitic soils from our China Wall Vineyard add a firm tannin structure to the French clone Cabernet Sauvignon vines planted there in 2000. All 20 acres of our mountain estate vineyards are CCOF (California Certified Organic Farmers) certified organic. Estate vineyard blocks, China Wall, Bobcat Run, Fox Trot Meadow, and Montaña Vista, were the sources for our 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon. Using grapes from these distinct micro-climates and soil profiles allows us to showcase the diverse terroir of our vineyards.

VINTAGE

The weather during the growing season in 2014 was perfect for wine grapes, largely dry and warm, but not overly hot. We were fortunate to have had such a great harvest on the heels of the excellent 2013 vintage. The weather was as good as one could expect. The growing season began early, with a warm and dry spring, and the weather stayed beautiful all the way through an early harvest. The quality and quantity of the fruit were exceptional. The grapes were hand-picked between September 4 and September 16, 2014.

TASTING NOTES

The nose on this wine opens with a long, smooth note of berries, followed closely by a dollop of milk chocolate. Swirl the glass for a moment and you will start to find the darker characters that define Cabernet Sauvignon; cassis riddled through with hints of anise and herbs du Provence.

On the palate the first thing you will notice is a solid footing of acidity and a delightful rush of rich, smooth tannin. The mouthfeel on this wine is well worth noting, it fills the palate and sets the stage for characters of black cherry and warm summer blackberries. Linger over the glass, and you will find subtle notes of tobacco and cedar, with just a hint of brown sugar showing through every now and then. The finish on this wine is long and mellow, with the dark flavors of Cabernet giving way to soft characters of raspberry and red licorice.

P.O. Box 1987 • Glen Ellen, California 95442 • (707) 938-3783 • Fax (707) 938-3221

info@amapolacreek.com • www.amapolacreek.com

2 0 1 4

ESTATE BOTTLED

by Richard Arrowood