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Wine Details
Price:
$75.00 per bottle
Description:
This is a unique and extraordinary release for Thornton Winery and the 1999 Harvest. The vineyards in La Cresta, where this Cabernet comes from, are located along a ridge of the Santa Rosa Mountains that are west of Temecula. Located at approximately 1000 feet higher than the Temecula Valley, this area is much different in the elements that comprise terroir. Normally, these grapes are used in our Cabernet-Merlot blend but for 1999 the varietal character and structure dictated that a different program be developed for this lot of wine. New French oak barrels were used and after fifteen months in oak this wine was bottled. Very classic berry and pepper aromas came forth while subtle herbaceous notes meld with the warm toasty aromas from the oak. Initially the tannins embrace the palette and the flavors unfold as the wine is drawn into the mouth. Definitely this wine is a benchmark for Cabernet production in the area and over the next four to six years this wine will develop and show even more classic Cabernet finesse.
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Varietal Definition
Cabernet Sauvignon:
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted and significant among the five dominant varieties in France’s Bordeaux region, as well as the most successful red wine produced in California. Though it was thought to be an ancient variety, recent genetic studies at U.C. Davis have determined that Cabernet Sauvignon is actually the hybrid offspring of Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon berries are small with black, thick and very tough skin. This toughness makes the grapes fairly resistant to disease and spoilage and able to withstand some autumn rains with little or no damage. It is a mid to late season ripener. These growth characteristics, along with its flavor appeal have made Cabernet Sauvignon one of the most popular red wine varieties worldwide.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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