Our incubator series wine from a neighboring vineyard Seeking an external frame of reference to reshape ideas and inspire new ones, we purchased a small amount of fruit from a neighboring vineyard. We learned the why and how of our colleague’s site, studying its row orientation and trellis setup. This different approach allowed us to learn and improve upon what we do here at the estate. The spectacular 2019 vintage started with a wet winter, similar to the stunning 2010 and 2017 growing seasons. Full soil reservoirs and a cool start to the year pushed budbreak to mid-April, a little later than normal. Early June heat slowed the vines’ growth and the shoots reached ideal length. The weather then turned to a little cooler than average as the vines began their switch from growing shoots to focusing on the tender fruit. Veraison was quick with a warmer mid-August ensuring a rapid finish. Harvest saw foggy mornings and long, pleasant days, gracing us with a luxurious pace. We started picking in early October and finished the utterly superb 2019 vintage by the third week of the same month.

TASTING NOTES The resultant wine – 2019 Red Experiment N4.9 – is our fourth vintage from this series. Cabernet Sauvignon with nearly equal parts Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Merlot bring a harmony of fresh blackberry, cola, cassis and licorice root. Sandalwood and crushed cherry complete the polished and decadent palate of this neighborly adventure.