2015 XV, Limited Release

Winemaker Notes:

A sophisticated wine offering a myriad of strawberry, raspberry, blackberry along with some bright notes of cherry and cranberry.  The red fruits are accentuated by some darker aged fruits and a touch of forest floor, truffle, fresh mushrooms and cocoa.  On the back side is a pleasing essence of sassafras.  The oak is well integrated with the fruit and acidity.  The tannins have a nice chalky character yet are very approachable.  This is reminiscent of an old world wine which will pair well with many foods.

Vintage:

The 2015 vintage had some scary moments but ultimately we came through unscathed.  Some low temps in early Spring had us all concerned about frost.  Additionally we also saw some heavy rains in the early spring keeping the viticulture team on their toes.  The summer came on with little rain and average temperatures for the state.  The rain then came back with a vengeance in late September to early October.  Overall though the growing season was long and did allow for good ripening.  Determining the best day to pick was the key to success.  I think we will see some good wines from Virginia vineyards for 2015

Blend

59% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec

Harvest

The Cabernet Franc from Wessex was harvested on 19 September at 23.0 brix, 3.87 pH and .399g/L TA.  The Winchester cabernet franc was harvested on 21 October at 24.3 Brix, 3.76 pH and .533g/L TA.  The Crozet cabernet franc was harvested on 24 September at 22.1 brix, 3.61 pH and .775g/L TA.  The Wessex merlot was harvested on 04 September at 22.8 brix, 3.87 pH and .373g/L TA.  The Crozet merlot was harvested on 17 September at 22.9 brix, 3.89 pH and .467g/L TA. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on 12 October at 21.7 brix, 3.69 pH and .678g/L TA.  The Wessex Petit Verdot was harvested on 08 September at 24.9 brix, 3.47 pH and .626g/L TA.  The Crozet petit verdot was harvested on 02 October at 20.0 brix, 3.59 pH and .950g/L TA.  The malbec was harvested on 17 September at 21.0 brix, 3.70 pH and .724g/L TA.

Vineyard Source:

Williamsburg, VA  - 44%

Winchester, VA – 23%

Crozet, VA – 21%

Charlottesville, VA – 12%

Fermentation

The Wessex cabernet franc was cold soaked for 5 days then fermented with D254 Yeast for 6 days.  The Cabernet Franc from Winchester was fermented with Syrah Yeast for 7 days.  The Crozet Cabernet Franc was cold soaked for 6 days then fermented for 5 days with RP15 Yeast.The Wessex Merlot was cold soaked for 11 dyas then fermented with Cepage Merlot Yeast for 7 days.The Crozet Merlot was cold soaked for 7 days then fermented with D80 Yeast for 5 days.  The cabernet sauvignon was fermented with D254 Yeast for 7 days.  The Wessex Petit Verdot was cold soaked for 7 days then fermented with D254 Yeast for 7 days.  The Crozet Petit Verdot was cold soaked for 3 days then fermented with D254 Yeast for 5 days. The malbec was cold soaked for 12 days then fermented with D254 Yeast for 6 days.

Aging

The wine was aged for 12 months in French, Hungarian and American oak, then an additional 14 months in Neutral French oak

Bottling Date

24 January 2018 – 126 cs

Release Date

Technical Information

12.08% Alc.

3.69 pH

0.570g/L TA

0.32 RS (Dry)