Wine Facts

Vintage: 2004
Appellation: Suisun Valley, California
Release Date: September 2006
Varietal: 100% from 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon grapes with touches of Merlot
Ageing: 12 months in a mix of small French, European and American oak barrels
Brix at Harvest: 26.04
Alcohol: 14.2%
PH: 3.72
TA (Total Acidity): 5.7 g/L
Cases Produced: 1456
Winemaker: Jef Stebben
UPC CODE: 894390000074

Harvest and Crush Notes

The 2004 harvest came in late September following a rather warm summer. Canopy management helped the vines to build just the desired sugar. The selection of grapes to craft this wine was based on picking the best mini-terroirs of our vineyard when the flavor and phenolic structure of the berries were at its peak. The grapes were hand-picked and delivered to the winery in small bins and within 3 hours they were gently de-stemmed and crushed. After two days of cold soaking, the fermentation was done with specialized yeasts isolated from the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino and the Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy. Afterwards, a two week maceration period enabled the optimal extraction of color and texture from the skin of the berries. Finally, after pressing, the wine was moved to barrels for twelve months to age in a select mix of French, European, and American oak from the best coopers.

Winemaker’s Notes

2004 marks another great release of the Contado Mankas. Aromas of vanilla and oak, along with black cherry, wild berries and eucalyptus, rise from the glass as this wine is poured. Flavors of black cherry continue in the mouth along with cassis, plum, and a subtle smokey note. As the wine opens up the black cherry notes build over time. The soft, yet complex texture and long fruit finish show the grace and power of the fruit from our vineyard.”