Dancing Crow Vineyards 2021 'Old Stake 1901' Cabernet Sauvignon, Lake County
Item Number: 17609
UPC: 0-850036093015
Country: USA
Region: California
Sub Region: Lake County
Appellation/AVA: Kelsey Bench
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vintage: 2021
Grape(s): 76% Cabernet Sauvignon / 24% Merlot
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14
Total Acidity: 5.5
pH: 4
Soil Type: Rocky, red volcanic elements mixed with alluvial loam
Elevation: 1,350 - 1,475 feet
Terroir Notes: Grapevines have graced the deep red, iron-rich soils of Dancing Crow's 'Old Stake 1901' property in the Kelsey Bench AVA for over a century. The terroir of this vineyard is ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon with its elevation, volcanic deposits, and cool afternoon winds. The Kelsey Bench AVA in Lake County was originally a pyroclastic flow from over ten thousand years ago, and is a transition point between the volcanic Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the alluvial flood plain of the Clear Lake basin to the east. The soils in the vineyard reflect this transition, offering mildly rocky, red volcanic elements mixed with alluvial loams. The vineyards sit between 1,350 and 1,450 feet. This elevation, along with the cooling effects of the lake and nearby mountains, create 50°F diurnal temperature swings, that produce wine of excellent acidity, ideal tannin structure and bold, complex fruit characteristics.
Winemaking Notes: Dancing Crow's goal is to create a sumptuous Bordeaux-style Cabernet with refined structure, yet a hint of uplifting brightness. This wine consists of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon co-fermented with 24% Merlot to develop complexity. Picking was a combination of nighttime hand and machine harvesting, to retain freshness, while utilizing a relatively cool fermentation to boost the fruit and floral traits. The addition of Big Valley AVA Merlot imparts a softening freshness to balance out the density and tannins of the Cabernet. The wine went through malolactic fermentation in French and Hungarian oak to foster integration, with a particular focus on producing a wine that expresses a lively elegance.
2021 Vintage Notes: The 2021 Lake County harvest is boasting excellent quality and intensity of flavors in the reds; showcasing exceptional potential in the Old Stake 1901 Cabernet. Early season growing conditions prompted bud break a week earlier than average. While fruit set was slightly decreased, the loose clusters facilitated airflow and steady ripening, with the grapes demonstrating wonderfully complex and concentrated flavor profiles. Generally, in Lake County there is a short break between the harvest of white and red varieties; however, this year reds followed immediately after whites due to the late summer heat. Harvest dates were September 22 nd and 23 rd .
Tasting Notes: On the nose, the Old Stake 1901 Cabernet highlights aromas of dark plum, raspberry and cocoa, which lead into succulent flavors of black cherry, and ripe fig, while hinting of Assam tea, cedar and savory fresh herbs, with a note of Basque saucisson on a smooth, sustained finish.