Brassfield 2021 Block 14 Cabernet

The Brassfield 2021 Block 14 Cabernet Sauvignon is an extraordinary expression of High Serenity Vineyard’s singular terroir. A wine of profound character and impeccable balance, it opens with an aromatic medley of ripe black currant, blueberry, and a delicate hint of violet. These primary notes intertwine harmoniously with secondary nuances of rosewood and subtle baking spices, promising a complex and rewarding experience. On the palate, the wine unveils its robust structure, with firmly gripping tannins that frame the concentrated dark fruit flavors. A refined minerality, born of the vineyard’s ancient lakeshore soils, underscores the wine’s elegant finish, delivering a textural complexity that lingers long after each sip.

Nestled between the valley floor and ridgeline, the High Serenity Vineyard’s Block 14 offers an enviable confluence of altitude, aspect, and soil composition. At elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 feet, this south-facing site benefits from the cooling influence of marine breezes, which temper the summer heat and promote slow, even ripening. The ancient lakeshore soils, rich in volcanic minerals, lend a distinctive depth and purity to the wine, while the high-density planting ensures exceptional concentration in each berry. This meticulous viticulture fosters a micro-climate and environment where Cabernet Sauvignon thrives, yielding fruit that expresses the vineyard’s unique characteristics with clarity and precision.

The winemaking at Brassfield Estate reflects a commitment to traditional craftsmanship and innovation, aimed at capturing the essence of Block 14’s potential. Harvested during the cool of early morning, the grapes were meticulously sorted and handled to preserve their integrity. The fermentation process, employing both pump-overs in stainless steel tanks and punch-downs in oak puncheons, ensured optimal extraction of flavor, color, and tannin. Aging in a combination of 40% new French oak and 60% neutral barrels provided a balanced canvas for malolactic fermentation, which unfolded within the serenity of Brassfield’s extensive wine caves. Stirring the wine on its lees monthly during its 18-month maturation imbued the final blend with a supple texture and added complexity.

The result is a wine that embodies the confluence of nature’s bounty and meticulous artistry. The Brassfield 2021 Block 14 Cabernet Sauvignon stands as a testament to the high standards of this estate, offering a cellar-worthy gem that will reward both immediate enjoyment and patient aging. A triumphant Cabernet from a vineyard that speaks with a voice entirely its own, this wine will captivate connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.

94 POINTS - "This wine is fresh, zesty, with aromas of mulberry, plum, cassis, dried herbs, and toasty vanilla on the nose. The flavors on the palate are blackberry, boysenberry, blood orange zest, bittersweet chocolate shavings, and mouthwatering tannins to finish. Decant and Drink until 2034." - Wine Enthusiast

This wine, sourced from our distinctive High Serenity Vineyard Block 14, is well concentrated and firmly structured, with ripe black currant and blue fruit aromas. The palate is robust from the first taste, with tight gripping tannins that frame the ripe dark fruit flavors and provide length on the finish. Additional baking spice and floral tones of rosewood and violet lend complexity and elegance to this single vineyard selection.