Alcohol: 14.8%
Grape(s): 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Malbec, 1% Syrah, 1% Petite Sirah
Localization: Red Hills, Lake County, North Coast, California, USA
Tasting Notes: The Estate Cabernet is the signature wine of Obsidian Ridge and embodies the complexity and wildness of the site. The structure and intensity of upper blocks is complemented by aromatics and acidity of cooler blocks. Aromas of freshly-cut red cherries with hints of cinnamon and spice. Flavors of mulberry and plum, woven with dried oregano and chaparral, are supported by a rich texture of fine, leathery tannins. Notes of star anise, cinnamon, and orange peel
Notes: Obsidian wines are the only Cabernet Sauvignons in California (perhaps the world) aged in 100% Hungarian oak barrels. Our source forest in Tokaj is planted to the same oak species used in France, Quercus Petraea, however the trees grow more slowly due to the volcanic soils, resulting in 30% higher density of the wood. These super-tight-grain barrels are low in vanillan and relatively high in eugenol, which tends to emphasize herbal and spice components, and are toasted slowly at low temperatures to avoid imparting overt toasty notes. For this Estate bottling, we use exclusively Kádár Tokaj barrels from our own cooperage, 40% new, aged 18 months.
93 Points - Wine Enthusiast: Significantly tannic but also flavorful enough to pull it off, this full-bodied wine is a good candidate for further aging. It brims with black currant, graphite and black cherry flavors that are vivid but not overblown, achieving good balance and complexity. Aged for 18 months in 40% new Hungarian oak barrels, it should be best from 2026.
Food Pairing: Pair with Mediterranean dishes or grilled beef
The Domain: Planted 2,600 feet high on the Mayacamas range north of Napa Valley, Obsidian ridge Vineyards grows mountain fruit. The steep slopes at this altitude are reddened by iron rich volcanic soils and littered with black shards of obsidian. Here in the Red Hills of Lake county the distinctive soils and mountain climate grow varietally vibrant and powerfully structured Cabernet Sauvignon.
