2018 Dollarhide Elevation

Winemaking

The fruit was hand-harvested in the cool morning hours.. At the winery, the clusters were sorted using a double sorting system. First, the clusters were sorted by hand. The fruit then ran through a small de-stemmer before the individual berries were sorted to ensure that the ideal grapes were selected. These berries were delivered to a fermenter where there was a period of resting on skins. Warm fermentation temperatures along with gentle cap maceration achieved the desired color and structure for the wine before an extended maceration time on skins prior to final pressing. The wine was transferred directly to the barrel for 20 months of maturation.

Nineteen percent of the berries used in this blend were fermented in French oak barrels. Thirteen percent of the berries were fermented in concrete. Both methods add layers of complexity to the blend.

Accolades

94 Points, James Suckling – A firmness and plushness to this 2018 cabernet with currant, chocolate and hazelnut character. It’s full-bodied with agile and creamy texture. Very attractive with a nice balance between richness and freshness. Drink or hold.

92 Points, Decanter – From hillside parcels within Dollarhide Ranch ranging from 600-1000 feet in elevation. Raspberry, black cherry and well-integrated oak aromas. The palate is refreshing and vibrant, finishing with an angular but precise acid/tannin structure. Lovely, spry and inviting.

92 Points, Wine Spectator – This is stuffed with blueberry, acai berry and blackberry compote flavors, sporting extra chocolate, dark tobacco and black licorice notes through the finish one for the hedonist crowd.

91 Points, Jeb Dunnuck – The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Dollarhide Elevation showed nicely, with a rich, medium to full-bodied, textured style as well as lots of pure crème de cassis fruits, notes of spice, chocolate, and leafy herbs, terrific balance, and a great finish. It’s well worth seeking out.