HARVEST NOTES
Vineyard Manager Michael Wolf:

After the blazing heat of 2017, the growing season of 2018 was one of the coolest in recent memory.

• Low rainfall year (45% below 2017), however much of the total rainfall occurred in March, filling the soil profile with water as the vines began to grow.
• Flowering in mid-May was accompanied by ideal weather, leading to very successful pollination and very large crop potential.
• 2018 was a mild summer, and this combined with the large crop stretched the length of the season, allowing ample time for complete ripening.
• Irrigation demand was low due to the mild conditions, and dehydration of the fruit was minimal, even with the extended ripening period.
• One of the biggest challenges was simple logistics of dealing with a large crop harvest at JJC began with the “Old Men” on September 24th and continued at a measured pace through October 15th, allowing each block to reach full ripeness on its own schedule.

TASTING NOTES
Winemaker Celia Welch writes of the 2018 M.Étain:
With a relatively normal rainfall early in 2018, lovely Springtime weather during the flowering season and a comparably mild summer, this vintage shows the balance and elegance that results from slightly longer, cooler growing seasons.

Aromatically, the 2018 M. Étain displays beautiful ripe fruit tones of blueberry jam, fresh warm cherries, and just enough vanilla, spice and sandalwood to add complexity and base notes to the bright fruit components. On the palate, the wine shows very bright and fresh, with the aromatic notes returning as very juicy berry flavors combined with the spice elements. The wine shows depth and complexity, just enough density to prove its age-worthiness but wrapped up in tannins that already show a sense of plushness and generosity. The final blend of estate fruit consisted of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 4% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. 2,315 cases were produced.

Harvesting started on September 24, 2018, and wrapped up on October 19, 2018.