Appearance deep purple
Aromas blackberry, sandalwood, cocoa powder, smoke, star anise, eucalyptus
Palate black cherry, plum, creme de cassis, mocha, black truffle, bay leaf, polished tannins
Food Pairing Suggestions
This Cabernet Sauvignon deserves big, bold foods to enhance the experience. Enjoy with fattier cuts of meat; lamb, beef, pork, sausage, grilled meats, stews, and game. Dishes with black olives, black pepper, pungent herbs, and mushrooms will also compliment nicely. Strong sharp cheeses and salami make a perfect accompaniment as well. Dishes with concentrated sauces pair very well. Try with dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.
Production
1505 cases
Alcohol
14.6%
Aging Potential
Ready to enjoy now or cellar another 10+ years
Vineyard
Cabernet Sauvignon - Laurel Glen Estate Vineyard, Merlot - Pickberry Vineyard, Malbec - Oak Glen Vineyard
About The Vineyard
Beginning in 2011, Laurel Glen introduced organic farming practices at their estate vineyard and upgraded pruning and trellising methods in order to improve concentration and more consistent ripening. The changes they’ve made in the vineyard have increased the quality of the fruit they harvest. But the quantity of the fruit they harvest has decreased.
In addition to fruit from their estate vineyard, the 2016 Counterpoint benefits from Merlot from the venerable Pickberry Vineyard and, for the 1st time, Malbec from the newly replanted Oak Glen Vineyard, the winery’s immediate neighbor.
Laurel Glen Vineyard: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, 1st planted in 1968, CCOF Certified Organic
Pickberry Vineyards: 30 acres of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, 1st planted in 1982
Winemaker Notes
After years of drought, we finally had enough rain in 2016 to recharge the soils. Due to unusually warm weather in February, bud break was in February instead of March, as is normal for us at Laurel Glen Vineyard. Bloom, berry set and veraison were all three weeks early as well. Because the growing season started early, even though harvest also started a little earlier than normal, on September 20th, there was plenty of time for complex flavor and color development in 2016.
Aging: 20 months in 30% New Tonnellerie Taransaud, 10% New Canton Cooperage
