2018 Release Winery, Cabernet Sauvignon "IX", 13.8%
1008 bottles produced (+72 magnums)
Dubbed a winemaker's "dream vintage", the 2018 growing season in Napa saw cooler than average temperatures throughout spring and summer. With saturated grounds from winter rains, vines coming out of dormancy had plenty of water supply for healthy bud-break in late March/early April. Precipitation of 0.6" in April had no impact on vines, and another 0.3" in early May did also not negatively affect bloom.
Temperatures through August continued to stay cooler than usual providing vines, in particular Cabernet Sauvignon, with a chance to develop slightly thicker skins than normal. This and the absence of any heat events during berry formation, coupled with larger cluster sizes resulted in yields above average.
The somewhat lower Brix accumulation throughout the growing season, allowing for ideal physiological ripeness, complex flavor development, deep coloration and favorable balances between sugar and natural acidity, has resulted in one of Napa Valley's best vintages ever.
Being able to basically pick fruit at leisure, the 2.83 tons of grapes for the 2018-vintage of Release Winery Cabernet Sauvignon "IX" were harvested in perfect conditions on September 27th, ahead of the first Fall rain events on October 2nd/3rd.
As usual the grapes were fermented in open-top french oak barrels and winemaking operations were respectfully adjusted to the fruity and juicy style of the vintage. The must stayed in contact with skins for a total maceration time of 45 days before being pressed-off. Malo-lactic fermentation occurred in a blend of various french coopers of which all were seasoned so as to allow the natural fruitful expression of the year to shine through.
