Dancing Crow Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kelsey Bench

Vineyard Notes: The terroir of Dancing Crow's 20-acre Old Stake 1901 property in the Kelsey Bench AVA is ideal for Cabernet 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 intersection, offering mildly rocky, red volcanic elements mixed with alluvial loams. The vineyards sit between 1,350 and 1,450 ft., and this elevation, along with the cooling effects of the lake and nearby mountains, create 50°F diurnal temperature swings that produce wine of ideal acidity, sturdy tannin structure and complex fruit characteristics.

Vintage Notes: The 2022 vintage in Lake County exhibited great fruit quality, with wines exuding vibrant, flavorful fruit characteristics. The growing season started off with cool temperatures and a bit of rain in spring, and throughout the growing season temperatures remained cooler overall – more in line with the “normal” weather patterns of the past. Harvest began a few weeks later than the previous few years, but then moved rapidly due to some hot days in September. However, Dancing Crow picked before the heat spell, and fortunately Lake County grapes deal with heat well, due to their more resilient, high-altitude skins. There were a few cool days around mid-September and a little rain, but fruit flavors had already developed, and many lots were harvested at slightly lower Brix levels. Overall, crop size was larger than usual with the quality of fruit being on par with last year’s outstanding vintage.

Winemaking Notes: Harvest was a mixture of nighttime hand picking along with some machine harvesting. The grapes were picked at night to preserve freshness, while utilizing a relatively cool fermentation to boost the floral and bright red fruit traits. They conducted malolactic with French and Hungarian oak to promote integration, with specific effort focused on elevating the fruit flavors so they balance nicely with the supple tannins and proper acidity.

Tasting Notes: This wine has some of our favorite hallmarks of classic Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, you are met by sweet plums and pepper. The flavors leap out at you with black plum, all-spice, cassis and a touch of poblano chili in Adobo sauce. The pyrazines are well-developed and give the wine an additional savory red-chili aroma. That palate is not heavy at all, but balanced and refined, showing great acidity and freshness with a healthy dose of tannin. This wine will age very well.