Planted to all five Bordeaux varietals as well as Syrah, the Erba Mountainside Vineyard team has been blessed with a ‘next to perfect’ setting nestled well above the fog line. The vineyard is a twenty acre parcel consisting of fourteen blocks. Each row receives abundant sunshine through the early morning and mid-day, followed by forgiving Westerly breezes and cooling shade in the afternoon. To put it simply, each acre of Erba Mountainside wines consistently display a dark and richly complex, site specific character that you would only expect from the most seasoned wines. It all begins in that ‘next to perfect’ setting.

Climate

Located on the Eastern slope of Atlas Peak, Erba Mountainside Vineyard typically receives early morning and mid afternoon sun. The soils are volcanic and porous enabling the heat to radiate. Cooling breezes typically rush through the mountains at times taking the temperature down 30° F by late afternoon. The temperature change is vital to maintain acid structure in the grapes.

Winemaking

At harvest, clusters are hand picked, destemmed and sorted prior to crushing. Malolactic fermentation is done in barrique. 100% French Oak is used throughout, and Cabernet is exposed to 80% new to enable the vineyard characteristics to come through in the wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep and rich with glass gripping glycerin; the deep purple color could easily be discerned as black. The first aromas reflect the vineyard well - smoky, volcanic ash influenced terrior with elements of violet and black cherry. The flavor of black fruits including cherry and blackberry are followed by freshly cut tobacco and spice. Tannins are smooth, but young and unobtrusive.

Harvest Dates

September 7-October 7, 2004

Oak

100% French, 80% New

Alcohol

14.8%

pH

3.76

TA

0.65 g/100mL

Total Production

905 cases

Varietals

88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot