Dancing Crow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Dancing Crow Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • The varietals for this wine are sourced from 2 AVA’s within Lake County, 64% Red Hills, 36% High Valley.
  • The Red Hills AVA of Lake County is located in the northern Mayacamas Mountains, along the southwest edge of Clear Lake.
  • At elevations of 2000-2400 feet, the vineyards of the Red Hills have a distinctive deep, red, iron-rich soil that result in grapes with thicker skins and more robust flavors.
  • The High Valley AVA of Lake County is located along the northeastern edge of Clear Lake and consists of cool alluvial soils along the valley floor that contrast with the warm (radiant) red volcanic soils along the outer ridges

Varietal Composition: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 14% Malbec 6% Petit Verdot 5% Tempranillo

Elaboration: Each grape variety is picked separately, at the optimal level of ripeness. The blending occurs during the winter to permit the varieties to marry prior to bottling. This insures the development of balance within the wine. To enhance this sensation of symmetry, DCV ages their blend for 8 months in medium + toast French Oak Allier and Nievers forests (36% New). The final blend for this Cabernet Sauvignon is 75% Red Hills and High Valley Cabernet, 14% High Valley Malbec, and 6% and 5% respectively of High Valley Petit Verdot and Tempranillo.

Tasting Notes: Aromas of plum, allspice and clove develop into flavors of fresh dark cherry and cedar on the palate. The Red Hills’ fine tannins provide a smoothly textured palate sensation from start to finish. Fresh acidity from the High Valley culminates in a bright finish of cherry with a gentle note of French oak.

PRESS

2017 – 90 Wine Enthusiast

PRODUCER BACKGROUND

One cool, Spring day in the shadow of Mt. Konocti, a family came to lay out their vineyard using straw to mark the vines. While feasting during their midday lunch they saw a murder of crows dancing around the straw, which made them laugh. Yet, when they looked again, the crows and the straw were gone. The family learned two things that day: be wary of dancing crows, and what to name their vineyard.

Having co-founded Cartlidge & Brown in 1980, Tony Cartlidge had been in the wine industry for over 30 years when in 2011, Tony sold his winery. Not content to rest on his laurels, Tony had a desire to get back into the business he loved, but this time, with his family.

Tony had been a big fan of Dancing Crow Vineyards for quite some time, ever since his previous winery began purchasing Sauvignon Blanc grapes from there. The owners at that time, Maile Field and Lars Craal, have had that winery in their family since the 1850’s. When they looked into selling the vineyard, there was one person who kept coming to mind, Tony Cartlidge. Once Tony knew it was for sale, he jumped at the opportunity to purchase his own vineyard. In 2014, Tony and his wife purchased this historic 28 acre vineyard site. With his sons and wife in tow, this winery is truly a family affair.

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