Wine Facts

Vintage: 2003
Appellation: Suisun Valley, California
Release Date: March 2005
Varietal: 100% from 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon grapes
Ageing: 12 months in a mix of small French, American and European oak barrels
Brix at Harvest: 26.1
Alcohol: 14.2%
PH: 3.8
TA (titratable acidity): 5.3 g/l
Volatile Acidity: 0.66 g/l
Cases Produced: 2496
Winemaker: Jef Stebben
UPC CODE: 894390000043

Harvest Notes

2003 was marked by heat spikes at the beginning and toward the end of the growing season, giving the grapes what they needed to develop their sugar. October was a dream come true for red wines. The temperature cooled slightly, giving the grapes extra time on the vine to mature their more subtle flavors. This made for ideal picking conditions through the end of October. The Contado Mankas grapes were harvested between September 29 and October 18. The diversity in picking dates gave a wide range of flavors to the harvest bounty. Our harvest was divided into lots based on the picking date and the geographical location within the vineyard. By using this method and attention to the malolactic fermentation we were able to capture the unique flavors of each section of the vineyard at its best. In November the wines were racked to a fine mix of French, European and American barrels.

Winemaker’s Comments

Within the 2003 Contado Mankas you will discover rich aromas of vanilla, black cherry, raspberry and subtle oak. Upon tasting the wine you will detect blackberry, cassis and a lingering spicy finish of clove and cinnamon. The color is deep red revealing complexity and elegance. Silky tannins and a velvety mouth feel make this a vibrant and refined wine.