2018 Emerson Brown 'Rancho Pequeno' Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville

Winemaker Notes:

The 2018 Oakville Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon showcases dark brambly fruits, plum preserves, cardamom, and toasted hazelnuts. A complex nose that evolves in the glass, opening up to leather, fountain pen ink, shortbread, and stewed fruits. Subtle and silent at first sip, the wine’s character builds on the palate to a crescendo of blueberry and fig flavors. The tannins are sinewy and tightly chiseled. There is a lot of stuffing in the mid-palate that is counter-balanced with crystalline acidity. It is well focused with lovely minerality on the finish. Recommended Drinking Window: 2023 - 2031.

The Oakville fruit has been continually sourced from Rancho Pequeno, formed III Michaels Estate. The vineyard was purchased in 2013 by Bart and Daphne Araujo, who have agreed to continue selling fruit to Keith and Brian.

100% destemmed, whole berry, small lot fermentation utilizing automatic pumpovers throughout maceration, one delestage at peak fermentation, total of 30 days on the skins. Gently basket pressed and gravity fed to barrels. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 210 cases made.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho Pequeño Vineyard is another winner. Coming from Oakville and all Cabernet, aged in 60% new French oak, it has pretty blue fruits, spring flower, and resinous herb notes as well as medium to full body, silky tannins, notable elegance, and balance. It’s a terrific wine to enjoy over the coming 15+ years."


Vinous - "The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho Pequeño Vineyard is elegant, polished and so nuanced. This is the most refined vintage of the Rancho Pequeño I have tasted. The 2018 has an extra degree of delineation that is so appealing. Bright acids and tons of pure vibrancy give this classy, midweight Cabernet so much character."