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Blending all Estate fruit from multiple clones and microclimates enables us to craft a complex Cabernet Sauvignon melding the bright cherry fruit characteristic of cooler climate fruit from the distinct blocks near the valley floor with the intense black-fruit flavors and firm tannins typical of the steep, warm slopes from the highest elevations on our property, where the summit overlooks the Alexander Valley below and across to Mt. St. Helena. A joy to drink currently, but sure to cellar easily for those who can wait.

Taken from our top old clone vineyard block that tends to ripen later in the season, 2003 harvest conditions provided an opportunity to create a special vintage of Windsor Oaks’ first late harvest Estate wine. The old clone grapes were given extra weeks on the vines to achieve intense character and high sugar levels. Careful hand harvesting and sorting both in the field and at the press provided superb fruit. Extended cold soaking before fermentation further extracted the deep color and rich fruit flavors and aromas. It is with great pride that we offer the result, a deep garnet colored, full bodied dessert wine that evokes the long ripened fruit of late summer sun-drenched hillside vines. With a slight hint of caramel oak and figs, its aroma may remind you of vintage port, but the flavor and finish are cleaner and less cloying to the palate, with lower alcohol levels. The mouthfeel is rich, concentrated and chewy, with dark berry jam flavors, finishing with a burst of red licorice, plum and dried apricot.

These vineyard blocks have generally produced big, rich fruit-driven Zinfandels, and this vintage is no exception. Before the wine touches your lips, you will enjoy its deep ruby color and pronounced nose full of dried cherry and spice with a hint of oak. It is full flavored and complex, loaded with bright ripe cherry and subtle hints of dark berries, layered with light white and black pepper and warm spices. It has developed plush texture and concentrated flavors from barrel aging and the mix of cooperage. The finish is long and balanced, with fruit and light vanilla. While the alcohol is a robust 16.5%, this full, rich Zinfandel can easily carry that level without losing its well-balanced character. An excellent match with full-flavored foods.