2018 La Sophia Cabernet Sauvignon
LA SOPHIA IN 7 WORDS
Cassis, Forest, Leathery, Vanilla, Singular, Voluminous, Power
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
We celebrate the fact that we make wine in a region where vintage variations play an important role. Atypical growing seasons are a nightmare for commercial wineries interested in making consistent but boring wines. For us, however, it defines our interest in wine. We look forward to seeing what Mother Nature gives us to work with each year. It is the effects of each vintage on the finished wine that urges us to start verticals of our favorite wines then follow their evolution and discuss their merits at tastings with friends.
La Sophia is our small lot 100% Cabernet Sauvignon bottling. Akin to the great examples of Cabernet Sauvignon from the coastal areas of Tuscany: Maremma and Bolgheri. Similarly, La Sophia draws a comparison to the great cabernets from Washington State rather than the plusher and fatter examples from Napa Valley.
2018 La Sophia presents a great nose of both black currant and cassis mingling with grilled bell peppers, cigar box, dusty pottery studio, dry sauna, and cured tobacco leaves. Aromatic herbs like rosemary and thyme weave in and out. On the palate, this is a medium+ weight Cab, firm with slightly dusty tannins coupled with balanced natural acidity. Decant for an extended time or keep your hands off and let this jewel of a Cabernet slumber in the cellar for at least a few years. A monumental Cab that will wow the fans of both new world and old world Cabernet. Whether Napa is the holy grail for you or Washington State, Bordeaux to Coastal Tuscany, 2018 La Sophia is almost an amalgamation of all the above.
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Di Carne
The higher acidity and firmer tannins in this wine than our merlots benefit from pairing with fattier cuts of meat and from dishes that are higher in acidity. Pistachio-crusted lamb rack or a New York steak perfectly grilled are clear winners too.Vegetariano / Vegano
Braised broccoli stems, lemon cashew puree and toasted almonds is a vegetarian or vegan course that helps offer the fattiness and acidity that this wine requires.