Tuesday, January 26, 2010

2007 Lineage: The Wine

The potential quality (now realized) of the 2007 vintage was apparent shortly after our Bordeaux varieties finished malolactic fermentation in the spring of 2008. The best lots had an uncommon richness and abundance of structure and varietal character that hinted at what our inaugural vintage of Lineage would be.

After 18 months and a score of mock blends, We arrived at what we thought was the best representation of the Lineage mission. 2007 Lineage is 75% Cabernet Sauvignon (clones 30, 4, and 191), 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 2% Merlot.

The resulting wine, which was bottled on January 14, 2010 and will be released on October 17, 2010, promises to be a benchmark for Livermore Valley wine.

In the nose one senses a complex interplay between the dark-fruit, Cabernet notes of cassis and black cherry; the subtle contribution of Cabernet Franc's herbal signature; the dark chocolate and mocha of French and American oak. In the mouth, 2007 Lineage is a very big wine. From an entry of constrained dark fruit to a mid-palate full and tight to a tannic and long finish, the wine showcases the very highest attributes of each variety and promises the forthcoming elegance and maturity that are now subsumed by the exuberance and muscularity of youth.

2007 Lineage should be laid down under proper cellaring conditions for 3-5 years before drinking, and it will reward patience for 15-20 years.

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3 comments:

  1. Congratulations, Steven! I cannot wait to tase it and gather some for our cellar. This is a tribute to your excellence wine making. Again Congratulations! - John Dean

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  2. John:

    Thanks so much for all of the support and encouragement. I am very excited about this wine, and look forward to sharing it with you.

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  3. Steven, having had the opportunity to taste not only the outstanding Cab, but all the other Bordeaux varitals from the Ghielmetti Vineyard, I am so looking forward to this blend. The amount of Cab Franc vice Merlot is interesting - the Cab must be VERY BIG. Any other comments about the wood? Toasted head, toast level (I'd guess not so much over medium, toasted heads). Taking bold steps to marry fruit and tannin! Can't wait, but I guess we must. TRM

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