Sbragia Family Vineyards Andolsen Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Description

Rainfall returned after three dry years, pushing bud break, flowering and fruit-set back by at least two weeks at the front end of the growing season. Fortunately the cloud cover meant there was no frost damage. The summer brought cooler than normal temperatures, and this coupled with unexpected heat spikes in late summer resulted in a late and shortened harvest with lower yields. Cooler than average temperatures returned again in early September but gave way to a warm and consistent Indian summer that was just the ticket, bringing good flavor and color development to grapes across the board.
Sbragia believes in taking a minimalist approach to this wine in order to preserve the rustic qualities that he loved about Dry Creek Cabernet. The Andolsen Cabernet Sauvignon was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, imparting cedar and brown spice aromas and flavors and supple tannins. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation which softened the tannins and contributed to a rich, lengthy finish. Adam and I blended in a small amount of Cabernet Franc to add structure and subtle complementary herbal characteristics.
Dry Creek Cabernets have a distinctive profile that I have always loved and this Cabernet showcases the best of those characteristics. Sweet red fruit and anise aromas are followed by bright acidity, plush flavors of black fruit and sweet spice. The tannins are complemented by a supple mouth feel and an elegant finish.
The Cabernet Sauvignon Andolsen Vineyard is utterly impeccable from start to finish. Firm mountain tannins provide the backdrop as this expressive, powerful wine gradually reveals its personality. Iron, tobacco and licorice notes dominate, while the fruit takes a little longer to become evident. With time in the glass, the wine gets better and better, as sweet floral notes and an attractive upper register opens up. Still, this remains a fairly bold, muscular Cabernet Sauvignon that could use another handful of years in the cellar. This is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc from a parcel in Dry Creek owned by the Sbragias’ family doctor. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2030.
I was deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Ed and Adam Sbragia this year. These wines remain incredibly reasonably priced considering the quality of what goes in the bottle.
Made in Sbragia’s muscular style, a ripe, flashy wine, with briary blackberry, currant, mocha and oak flavors. The tannins are strong but soft, and the overall impression is complex. Fine now with steak, barbecue, but should gain bottle complexity over the next 5–6 years.
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Age Restrictions: You must be at least 21 years old to order and receive wine by federal law. By placing an order you represent that you are at least 21 years old. At time of delivery someone 21 years or older must be present during normal business hours to sign for the package. If no one is available during normal business hours at your shipping address to sign for the package we encourage the package to be shipped to your business address to insure fast, interruption-free delivery. We cannot ship wine to PO Boxes or APO addresses.
For shipments to Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico contact us for shipping quote.
Age Restrictions:
You must be at least 21 years old to order and receive wine by federal law. By placing an order you represent that you are at least 21 years old. At time of delivery someone 21 years or older must be present during normal business hours to sign for the package. If no one is available during normal business hours at your shipping address to sign for the package we encourage the package to be shipped to your business address to insure fast, interruption-free delivery. We cannot ship wine to PO Boxes or APO addresses.
All wines have been carefully stored in a temperature control cellar at 55*.
Our Return Policy:
We are committed to the complete satisfaction of our wine customers. If you should ever have broken bottles or delivery problems, please contact us. We will be able to handle any problems with UPS within a 30 day period following the expected delivery date. We will always work to get your problem solved as quickly as possible. We ship in styro-foam containers, for the most secure delivery possible.
Please understand that during the summer months, the shipping insurance does not cover heat damage incurred during shipping. We only ship on a Monday and Tuesday to limit the length of time that the wine is on the truck.
Condition of Sale:
•We accept returns for the following reasons: 1. Wrong wine received