| 2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON |
| This vineyard designate may sound remarkably familiar, yet somehow different to many of you. That is because Byington has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon from Smith-Reichel since the winery's inception, but we have recently seen a change in the vineyard name. The location is the same, a stunning plot of land, but the Smith half of the Smith-Reichel vineyard team has decided to pursue another venture and parted ways with Mr. Reichel. The Reichel vineyard is located 2000 feet above Sonoma Valley in Geyserville. With a natural spring running out of the ground, rich volcanic soils, and tons of sunshine, it would be hard not to make a great wine out of these grapes. We processed this vintage gently-a chilly three week fermentation for slow extraction of both color and flavor, only one racking, twenty months of barrel age, and no filtering prior bottling. The result is a supple wine with hints of cedar, baking spices, and a touch of blackberry, yet it retains a dense tannic backbone. I would certainly think about letting the Reichel Cab breathe for a bit, or running it through your Vinturi if you are not patient enough to wait. If patience is a virtue you possess leave a touch in the bottle overnight an then try it the next day. You will see that the Reichel Cabernet certainly possesses the ability to age gracefully. |
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| Appellation: | Alexander Valley |
| Vineyards: | Reichel Vineyard |
| Alcohol: | 13.8% |
| Cases Made: | 400 |
| Consume: | now through 2014 |
