Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2003 750ml

The 1999 growing season was optimal from start to finish, with temperate, even weather from budbreak in spring up to the last day of our harvest, October 30. All of our Cabernet Sauvignon, along with the Petit Verdot, achieved full ripeness in the last few weeks of October. Sugars increased in conjunction with true physiological maturity, an indicator of a rare and near perfect vintage. Yields were miniscule, in the two ton per acre range, throughout our Cabernet blocks. This level of crop was ideal for the mild heat of the vintage, as any additional tonnage on the vines would have compromised full ripening.The fruit was gently crushed to fermenter and extracted by pumpover. Given the wonderfully even ripening of the fruit, extraction was extended well past dryness to maximize and soften the tannins. Primary and malolactic fermentations utilized native yeast and bacteria, respectively, as is the hallmark of all estate wines at Chalk Hill. The wine was racked quarterly and aged for twen Minimize