2001 Encounter - Sonoma County / Red Table Wine
GRAPE SOURCE
38% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are grown in the 2.5-acre Calypso Vineyard located on a sloping hillside near Forestville. Otis Holt, a very meticulous grower, planted the vines in 1989-90 using 8.5ft. x 6ft. spacing. All vines were field-budded onto 5c rootstock in Gold-Ridge sandy loam soil, known for its good drainage capability. The Cabernet Franc comes from the Pine Mountain Vineyard, one of the highest elevation vineyards in Sonoma County. Mountain vineyards are known for tremendous acid retention and elevated flavor intensity.
WINEMAKING
The small lots of grapes used in this vintage were carefully hand-harvested from some of Sonoma County’s most exciting “mountain” vineyard sources. Fermentation in small, open-top tanks and hand-stirring assures the fruit is not bruised or compromised, preserving the essence of fruit and vineyard terroir. Multiple lots were produced from each property, providing maximum flexibility to the winemaker in crafting the final blend. While the vineyard selection and varietal mix may change from year to year, this wine is always an expression of the very best the vintage has to offer.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This lush, broadly structured, palate-coating effort is generously endowed with lavish, layered black-cherry, blackberry fruit and classy oak. Its complexity is further enriched with nuances of chocolate and pepper spice. While it is hugely gratifying for its intensity, depth, richness and amazing length, the components remain balanced and wonderfully integrated tannins bring a sense of completeness to the package. There is little doubt about its amazing capacity for long-term aging.
Winemaker: Gary Farrell
Alcohol: 13.8%
Case Production: 216
Acid/pH: 0.70/3.46
Released: March 2005
Appellation: Sonoma County
PAST VINTAGES
2000 Encounter - Sonoma County, Red Table Wine1999 Encounter - Sonoma County, Red Table Wine