2019 John's Promise
Blend Composition | 74% Cabernet Sauvignon
13% Sangiovese and 13% Merlot
Harvest Date | October 3, 5 and 17
Finished pH | 3.82
Finished TA | 5.9 g/L
Alcohol by volume | 14.4%
Production | 182 cases
VINTAGE
The 2019 growing season was a roller coaster that kept us on our toes, but resulted in beautiful wines. Spring precipitation persisted through bloom and berry set, but the weather had little impact on our yields. As summer progressed, our typical heat spikes failed to appear, allowing berry flavors to develop slowly, and leading to one of our longest harvests on record. We picked at optimal ripeness and are thrilled with our young wines.
WINEMAKING
The Cabernet Sauvignon and Aglianico in this blend were harvested and fermented separately. After a brief cold soak, each lot fermented in 10-14 days. The wine was gently pressed off the skin to age in French oak barrels, 50% new barrels for the Cabernet and 16% new for the Aglianico.
TASTING NOTES
Tightly wound, this wine will benefit from decanting to allow the beautiful aromas to emerge. The wine is complex and dense, offering aromas of black cherry, pomegranate, and molten chocolate, along with bright acidity and dense, velvety, fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and inspires another sip. This wine will develop further complexity with proper cellaring. Enjoy now through 2034.
PAIRINGS
This wine will turn a classic pizza napoletana into a fancy feast. Or enjoy with braised lamb shanks, a standing rib roast, or your favorite pungent cheeses.
- Matt Reid, Winemaker