The 2018 winter received only a third of the previous year’s rainfall combined with low temperatures in February, delaying the vegetative cycle. Generous Spring rains arrived at the end of March a few days before budbreak, while cool temperatures continued to slow down the growth of the canopy. This allowed for extremely balanced vines with little need for intervention. Bloom occurred on May 24th, one of the latest on record. The fruit set was generous with beautifully full clusters. The ensuing Summer started warm and finished mild, without extreme climatic demand, creating ideal ripening conditions. Continuing amiable weather in August allowed a slow maturation of the fruit with off-the- charts levels of color. The team was able to harvest the front blocks (on both sides of Simmons Creek) at optimal ripeness between September 21st and October 15th, the latest harvest in 7 years. There was little to no sorting required in the cellar. Once in tank, excellent extractability resulted in a high level of polymeric anthocyanin and moderate tannin levels, leading to balanced, vibrant and refined young wines. The “elevage” conducted in a fair amount of lightly toasted oak barrels with carefully selected grains and origins, resulted in Cabernets with great finesse and a tight-knit structure that developed magnificent amplitude and length during its first year in bottle.

The Eisele Vineyard grapes are certified ‘Organic’ by CCOF and ‘Biodynamic’ by Demeter.

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