With the 2018 harvest, things returned to a more normal schedule in Alexander Valley. Cooler temperatures and sufficient rainfall laid the foundation for an ideal growing season. A smooth ripening cycle across the farm, gave us the opportunity to dial in the flavor profiles, acidity, and ripeness of each individual block. A brief burst of rain in early October was followed by a nice dry spell of moderate heat, as we harvested beautiful grapes balanced to perfection by nature. Our Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grow on a mix of Yolo and Cortina soils. These soils drain well due to their minimal amount of clay and possess an ideal calcium/magnesium ratio required for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Cortina’s added gravel texture helps create wines with rich tannins and purity of varietal character.