2018 ARMILLARY Cabernet Sauvignon
ABOUT ARMILLARY
This ARMILLARY Red Blend was originally crafted for our wine club members. An armillary is a metal cage around a globe consisting of a spherical framework of rings representing lines of celestial longitude and latitude, as well as other astronomically important features. As the FAY and S.L.V. Estate Vineyards are the center of our world at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, a concentrated blend of the two could be considered our armillary, guiding and influencing everything we do.
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKING
ARMILLARY is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc from FAY and S.L.V. made in a bold style with notes of chocolate and sweet berries that will age well over time. Individual lots are blended early in the fermentation process to enable the flavors to marry together during the aging process. The wine is 70% S.L.V. and 30% FAY and was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels.
VINTAGE
The 2018 season began with productive, late season rains that translated into strong vine growth throughout the spring. Cool temperatures in late spring resulted in an extended bloom period and very good fruit-set. Except for a hot July, the summer was beautiful with temperatures neither too hot nor too cool – a true Goldilocks zone. Cool temperatures returned in September that slowed ripening and extended hang-time, resulting in very even ripening with great flavors at lower sugar levels. We completed the harvest for our Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – and began picking our red grapes – a good month later than in 2017 (and two weeks later than normal). Overall, this was a year of exceptional fruit quality producing wines with expressive fruit character.
TASTING NOTES
This wine opens with aromas of crushed berries, crème brulée, dark fruits, cinnamon and jasmine. Rich and flavorful on the palate, the wine has a lasting finish packed with dark fruit flavors and great intensity.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Try pairing this Cabernet with rack of lamb, coffee-crusted beef tenderloin or herb-crusted pork roast.