2019 MOUNT PEAK SENTINEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Vineyard Notes

Composition

96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot

Appellation

87% Sonoma County, 13% Napa County

Alcohol Content

15.2%

Titratable Acidity

5.5g/L

Ph 3.81

The Vintage

Our Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon is named for the shield-shaped block that casts a watchful eye over the entrance to Monte Rosso Vineyard. Sentinel opens with aromas of dense, dark fruit, crème de cassis and bay laurel. Sentinel is rich and full-bodied, offering hints of blackcurrant, blueberry, and black cherry with layers of soft leather and wood smoke. The wine’s acidity and tannins are in perfect balance adding texture and depth on the smooth, layered palate, finishing with suggestions of ripe wild blackberry.

Viticulture Notes

This The 2019 Sentinel Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the historic Monte Rosso Vineyard (87%) and Stagecoach Vineyard (13%). The 2019 growing season was warm and evenly paced, offering ideal growing conditions. Winter rain led to a cool spring, which delayed budbreak. Late May delivered more rain but by June, warm, steady temperatures delivered consistent warmth that encouraged canopy growth and allowed the fruit to ripen gradually. Harvest 2019 produced low yields of small berries packed with rich, complex flavour characteristics.

Winemaking Notes

Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes underwent up to a three-day cold soak to enhance flavour extraction and structure in open-top fermenters. The wine saw up to three weeks of maceration time, with both punch overs and punch downs used. Each block was evaluated separately before composing the final blend. Total barrel aging was 21 months in French oak barrels (51% new).

“I wanted to be part of Mount Peak because I am truly inspired by the vineyard. And because Monte Rosso is a major source, but not the only source of fruit for Mount Peak, I’m not bound to its confines. I can find the best vineyards for each varietal as conditions change vintage to vintage, depending on what we need to make those big, forceful wines.”