The 2018 Cole Ranch Claret is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from the original 1972 planting. Cole Ranch sits in a chilly spot along the Boonville Road high above Ukiah. The long cool fall allowed the fruit to develop without much sugar accumulation. Picked November 3rd, the fruit was fermented on native yeasts, 50% whole cluster. After a few days cold soak a foot tread started fermentation in oak. The wine spent nine months in neutral French oak and was bottled August 26, 2019.

“Medium garnet in the glass, this wine smells of cherry and cigar box. In the mouth, cherry, plum, and plum skin sourness mix with a hint of darker earth and dried herbs. Remarkably light on its feet at an astonishing 11.9% alcohol, this wine is made from vines planted in 1972 and frankly it tastes like California Cabernet from another era. Lovely.” -Vinography