2014 Bismark Cabernet Sauvignon 750ml

90 Points, Wine Spectator

Number of Cases: 467

Alcohol: 15.4%

Vineyards: Our Bismark Mountain Ranch is high above the city of Sonoma and San Pablo Bay.  Here on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains we grow 27 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon amid outcroppings of Rhyolite.  We began planting in 1991 and continue to fine tune our mix of cultivars to this day.  This is steep ground; shared with Creosote bush, Grey pine, coyote and mountain lion. Topographically it is similar to the Douro. Windy, sun drenched yet moderate in temperature, Bismark grudgingly produces grapes with an intense, deeply concentrated flavor. Bismark’s unique terroir is both fierce and alluring.

Vintage: The 2015 growing season was once again dry and odd. Late winter and early spring were hot. Late spring was cool and fruit set was poor. The peak summer months were moderate, resulting in steady ripening and good acid retention. Late summer heat pushed sugar accumulation because of the small crop. The grapes for the 2015 Bismark Cab blend were harvested on September 14, 22, and 24, at an average of 27.0 o Brix. 

Tasting Notes: Our Cabernet Sauvignon is opaque and thick, exuding the mountain's terroir of Nocino liqueur, cassis, Manzanita flower, and sage. Incredibly poised and silky by mouth for such a young wine, it has the rich extended finish typical of Bismark Cabernet.

Variety: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Malbec, 7% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot