Alexander Brown Cabernet Sauvignon Uncaged

Description

”WINE UNCAGED The owl is a guardian of the vine, and myths say it is present when the spirit is setfree. A powerful symbol, the owl carries meaning on many levels for Zac Brown, a GRAMMY Award winning artist whose creative spirit knows no boundaries. Inspired by homegrown values and a lifelong connection to the land, Zacs passion for bringing music, food and people together ignited a natural gateway to wineand a freedom to create. Bold and uncaged, Z. Alexander Brown unleashes a new palate-provoking wine rooted in the heart of California wine country.WINEMAKERS NOTE Z. Alexander Brown Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with rich aromas of black cherry, mocha and baking spice. Bold tannins frame a powerful mid-palate layered with mouth-filling flavors of black cherry and milk chocolate. Smooth and balanced, anelegant finesse defines the long and lingering finish.John Killebrew, WinemakerVINTAGE If California winemakers were asked to describe the 2015 vintage in a few words, they would be early, light and excellent. A mild winter forced an early bud break, followed by a prolonged bloom and unusually cool spring temperatures that produced smaller berries, fewer clusters and therefore, reduced yields compared to the last three record-breaking vintages. After a hot, dry summer, a temperature spike in late August accelerated ripening and harvest to be a couple weeks earlier than usual. All of these elements resulted in high quality grapes statewidebalanced acidity levels, intense aromatics and concentrated colors and flavors.WINEMAKING Throughout the growing season, winemaker John Killebrew visited each vineyard block regularly. The fruit for Z. Alexander Brown was harvested during the cool early morning hours to ensure that the concentrated fruit flavors were captured at the peak of ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed, moved into stainless steel tanks and slowly warmed to fermentation temperatures. Following the completion of primary and malolactic fermentation, the wine was drained and gently pressed onto a selection of French and American oak. The final blend for this boldly flavored wine was thoughtfully crafted by John and Zac as a result of multiple hands-on tastings and blending sessions featuring a selection of the best lots of the vintage.” – Z Alexander Brown