The thirty acre Crazy Creek Vineyard lies just east of the town of Geyserville in the renowned Alexander Valley wine region. Its old, low vigor vines consistently produce Cabernet Sauvignon with more power and depth than typically found in the appellation.
Tasting Notes
The color is bright and deep. Purple edges with deep red middle. The nose is immediately fruit driven. Ripe raspberries, black cherry and plum. In other words it smells just like a Cabernet grape. In the mouth complexity is the key. Lush ripe cherries and ripe blue berries on the front of the tongue. The mid mouth is all about power and richness. Comprised of dark plum and chocolate. The finish has supple round tannins with a long elegant finish. Hmm hmm hmm Drink now or over the next 10 years if you can wait that long!
Production Notes
Despite a warm February, the 2018 growing season started off much
cooler than the past few vintages. A cool spring meant “bloom”
lasted longer than usual, but fruit set was consistent. In fact, the
growing season started with near-perfect fruit set which led to large
grape clusters. Summer temperatures were moderate with fewer heat
spikes than in recent years. Veraison started later as well. As a result,
harvest started nearly two to three weeks later than in recent years, but
this was historically more typical. Harvesting with cool mornings, as
compared to the heat waves of 2017, was a true pleasure and far less
stressful.
Winemaker Notes
Made in tandem by Nick and his middle daughter, Katherine, this
very popular Cabernet Sauvignon has become a close family tradition
over the years. The 2018 vintage marks a transition to an incredible
new vineyard called Stonemason Hill. Located in Alexander Valley, this
aptly-named site has large rocks leading up to a stone-walled terrace.
Complex and elegant, this vineyard’s beautiful gravel loam soil with
mature vines—many over thirty years old—is ideally suited for the style
and winemaking techniques which have made this wine so successful for
us. A proprietary name rather than a single vineyard wine, the Katherine
Cabernet is perfect for casual dining and discerning tasters looking for
an elegant drop with loads of personality and style.
Ratings
92 Pts The Tasting Panel
Wine Profile
Vintage
2018
Wine Style
Red Wine
Varietal
Cabernet
Appellation
Alexander Valley
Acid
5.4 g/L
PH
3.7
Aging
12 months 90% French 10% American, Med. Toast 20% New