2018 Madson Red Blend (2 bottle pack)
This 2018 Madson Red Blend is sourced 100% from the Santa Cruz Mountains. The Cabernet Sauvignon grows alongside the Cabernet Franc in Los Altos Hills at the base of the northeastern slope of the appellation. The soils include metavolcanic rocks, basalt and blue-shist. The Nebbiolo is grown at Lago Lomita Vineyard at 2600ft, on the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The soils include marine shales and arkosic sandstone.
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc were cofermented as whole clusters. We sparged tanks with pure carbon dioxide for a partial carbonic fermentation and allowed for the fermentation to occur naturally and spontaneously. We pressed after 21 days on the skins. This blend was aged in neutral Sirugue and Damy barrels for 17 months. The Nebbiolo fermented with 30% whole cluster and 70% destemmed whole berries. Harvested in late October, this Nebbiolo fermented for 31 days and remained on the skins for 57 days. This was pressed directly to neutral Ermitage and Stockinger barrels for 15 month of elevage. These wines were racked one time to tank for blending and bottling. 20 ppm SO2.
Ultimately, we found that the acidity and the tannins of the Nebbiolo complemented the luscious fruit and subtle pyrazines of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This wine has gentle tannins, with great depth of fruit. Fruit flavors of black currant and pomegranate are framed by aromas of dried tea rose, fennel and cedar. Drink now or cellar for 10 years.