2017 Release Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon "VIII", 13.5%
672 bottles produced (+72 magnums)
The 2017 vintage from Napa Valley will no doubt be remembered for two extreme weather events that influenced the overall characteristics of (most) Red wines produced. First was an extended 12-day heatwave with day temperatures above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This set in at the end of August and lasted througout the Labor Day weekend of September 4th.
While most vines recovered remarkably and regained a steady ripening pattern over the following weeks, it is estimated that approximately ninety percent of Napa's grapes were harvested before the next, and more devastating, event broke out.
The night of October 8th the "Atlas Fire" broke out on the lower slopes of the Atlas Peak AVA, just north of the city of Napa. Together with the "Tubbs Fire" in the northern part of the valley, this effectively hindered much more grape harvesting in Napa for the following week.
Based on the fascination for "old-school winemaking" and true to a philosophy of producing balanced, ageworthy and somewhat lower alcohol wines, the grapes for 2017 Release Winery "VIII" were harvested well before fires became an issue, in the early morning hours of October 2nd.
A total 2.11 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes were as always fermented in open-top, seasoned oak barrels.
Respecting the very structured nature of the vintage, winemaking operations during fermentation were limited to twice daily punch-downs, before the must was pressed off after 40 days of skin contact, and barreled-down into French oak barrels, of which 25% was new.
