2016 H/H Big John Cab Cabernet Sauvignon

Description

Tasting Notes

Tightly wound and full bodied, decant this gem for fuller enjoyment now, or hold for future rewards. Cassis touches of earth and graphite, wild forest berries and chopped herbs align with full on tannins and good acid structure, and the oak adds toasty spice.  

Vineyard Designation

Coyote Canyon Vineyard – Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Vineyard Notes

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State. The high heat units pushed forward harvest and many white grapes were picked in late August, a week or two ahead of average. In the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer, but temperatures never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. The steady warm season was very consistent, without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. It was a great vintage. 

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State. The high heat units pushed forward harvest and many white grapes were picked in late August, a week or two ahead of average. In the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer, but temperatures never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. The steady warm season was very consistent, without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. It was a great vintage. 

Winemaker Notes

It’s hard to explain just how much fun it is to make this wine. Coyote Canyon Vineyard is producing some of the best Cabernet in Washington, and the world. Getting to work with it is amazing. It starts out tasting great on the vine and hopefully in the glass as well.

These grapes were picked in October and fermented in small batches. Then it was aged in barrels for 22 months prior to bottling. I love French oak and this blend is 50% new French oak. I did use some American oak, 25% and Hungarian oak 25%. 

This wine is amazing now and should only get better with age. We just tasted some of our 10-year-old Cabs and this one should last at least as long.

Awards

Platinum – 2019 Wine Press North West, Double Gold 96pts – Harvest Challenge 2019, Gold – 93pts Sommelier Challenge 2019, Double Gold – 2020 San Francisco Wine Awards