AROMAS & FLAVORS
Elegant and inviting, Cinq Cépages opens with beautiful aromas of fresh raspberry, red and black currant, sweet floral fruit, and notes of lavender. The lush mouthfeel is filled with supple fruit, warm milk chocolate, toasted chestnut and fall spice flavors. The wine showcases incredibly refined and smooth tannins which leave a silky finish.
VINEYARDS
The primary grape sources for the 2017 vintage are from some of the finest appellations throughout Sonoma County. The majority is from Knights Valley (46%) where the fruit highlights boysenberry flavors and elegant tannins. In addition, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Monte Rosso and Mountain Terraces Vineyards in the Moon Mountain add structure, alongside selections from Sonoma Valley including Chateau St. Jean estate Vineyard Malbec. The Louvau vineyard in Dry Creek offers Merlot with lush juiciness and texture, while the Stuhlmuller Vineyard in Alexander Valley brings fruit with savory, dried herb notes and bright berry flavors.
THE VINTAGE
2017 began with abundant rainfall, followed by a mild spring resulting in extended flowering. Warm late-summer temperatures moved harvest along quickly. Yields for the 2017 vintage were slightly lower than the previous couple of vintages. Overall, the vintage 2017 wines are of excellent quality, host complex flavors, concentrated color, and offer overall finesse.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Cinq Cépages pairs well with roasted, broiled or barbequed red meats such as lamb, beef, pork or veal. Medium and strong-flavored semi-soft, semi-hard, aged or creamy cheeses also pair beautifully with this wine.