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Whitestone Vineyard
Vineyards
The Whitestone Vineyard is a 10-acre plot of premium hillside Cabernet Sauvignon that surrounds the Clos LaChance Winery in San Martin, CA. The soil in this part of the vineyard is unique to the remainder of the Estate—rocky, limestone base with excellent drainage. The Whitestone Vineyard is part of the 150-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999-2000. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing our winemaker with a spice rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fergitation) were also installed onsite, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
Winemaking
The grapes were hand-harvested, hand-sorted and destemmed to a closed top tank. After a 48 hour cold soak, fermentation took an additional 11-13 days, being pumped over 4 times/day at the peak. The wine was drained and pressed to tank, then barreled down into 60% new French oak and 30% once used French oak to complete malolactic fermentation. Two rackings occurred during the 25 months of aging, The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
A big, bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Incredible complexity due to extensive barrel and bottle aging. Dark blackberry aromas with vanilla and classic Cabernet eucalyptus. Flavors of cassis, plum and blackberries dominate throughout the palate and into the long, smooth finish.
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