Tasting Notes: "Aromas of black plum, blackberry, soy sauce, pepper and cinnamon waft from the glass of this Cabernet. The palate is grippy and tannic, with a balancing streak of acid pulling right through the center, with flavors of roasted plum, cassis, blackberry and purple flowers resonating through the finish. 94 points. Hidden Gem." — Tom Capo, Wine Enthusiast

Vineyard: Best known for old vine Zinfandel and new plantings of Rhône varieties, the Dry Creek Valley is fully capable of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon when the right conditions come together at a particular site. When we first laid eyes on the Terrace Block at the Merrill’s Vinegrove, we knew we had found such a site. Planted on a steep south-southwest facing hillside a few hundred feet up from the valley floor, the combination of sun exposure, well-draining soil, and slightly cooler temperatures create the perfect storm for richly flavored, densely structured, classic California Cabernet.

Vintage: The 2022 growing season in Sonoma County began with a late spring and mild summer, fostering optimal conditions for early-ripening varieties. However, an unprecedented heatwave in early September challenged late-ripening grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, necessitating vigilant vineyard management to maintain fruit integrity. At Dry Creek Valley's Vinegrove, Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on September 13th at 25 degrees Brix and 3.5 pH, yielding wines with rich dark flavors, balanced acidity, and a full-bodied structure.

Winemaking: The grapes were de-stemmed into a small open-top tank for a long cold soak to encourage development of color before fermentation began spontaneously with wild yeast. Fermentation continued without the addition of any chemicals or enzymes, aided only by the heat of the sun and gravity-fed "pump-overs" once per day. After pressing the wine went into 50% new French oak barrels, and aged for 24 months.