2010 Ladera Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain

The 2010 Ladera Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced exclusively from our estate vineyard located directly opposite the winery at 1,600 to 1,800 feet in elevation. The vineyard sits above the fog line receiving longer sun exposure throughout the growing season. A combination of the high elevation, the red, volcanic and mineral rich soils allows the fruit to achieve full physiological ripeness producing ripe flavorful wines with great structure and exceptional aging potential. Harvest began on October 19th and finished on October 25th, 2010.

Unmistakably Howell Mountain, the 2010 Ladera Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon reflects its mountain origins. Comprised of the most promising lots of the vintage, the grapes were hand sorted, de-stemmed and cold soaked for 5 days in small open top fermenters to extract maximum fruit characteristics. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine was vinified using both native and cultured yeasts. Each individual lot was aged separately for 21 months in 100% new French oak and bottled without fining or filtration. 2,000 cases were bottled on July 24th, 2011.

The 2010 Ladera Howell Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the best our vineyard has to offer. Rich and decadent, this deep ruby Cabernet Sauvignon displays gorgeous aromas of ripe blackberries and black cherries with notes of fresh mint, cocoa, vanilla and nutmeg. The concentrated and well-structured palate is rich and pure with ripe black fruits, firm yet supple tannins, and a refreshing beam of acidity that carries through to a long and persistent finish.