VINTAGE NOTES
Heavy
rains. No frost damage and good weather during bloom set a record
crop. Moderate summer temperatures did not hasten ripening and rains
fell in mid-September. The fruit that had not been picked before
the rain was left to continue ripening on the vine. Selective picking
saved the best fruit.
 WINEMAKING NOTES
Harvested
between 10/20 and 10/27 at 23.9° Brix. Fermented in tank; 100%
malolactic fermentation; 16 months in French oak barrels.
"The terms widely used to describe the Cabernets from Stag's
Leap Vineyards refer mostly to the combination of the qualities
of iron and velvet. ‘The iron fist in the velvet glove’
has often been used to describe our wines. Our 1981 Cabernet represented
to a great extent the predominance of the qualities of velvet. In
the 1982 Cabernet, though both velvet and iron are in harmonious
voice together, the iron is dominant. The color is a deep, glowing
announcement to the complex Cabernet bouquet. Even in the nose there
is a certain sturdiness suggested by the fruit. The mouth feel is
smoothly structured and lively with great flavor interest. The wine
finishes with length and continuity, suggesting an agreeable completeness
appropriate to its weight."
- Warren Winiarski, 7/85
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