2020 Field Blend No. 3
Cabernet
Franc & Tannat
Shenandoah Valley
Winemaker Notes:
This blend carries a
nice balance between some black cherries, strawberries, blackberries and
blueberries along with the darker figs, dates and plum notes. All the fruits are enveloped with a touch of
chocolate, molasses, and cola. Additionally,
there is a pleasant chalky minerality which leads into some leather and earthy
tones of forest floor and truffles, with a hint of cinnamon and clove. The wine wonderfully balanced between the
oak, tannins and fruits making for a rich mouthfeel. The tannins are well integrated and add to
the overall balance and structure of the wine.
Vintage:
This was a tough year on many counts. The winter started mild and was somewhat
uneventful with moderate temperatures. Then
in April and May Virginia was hit with some severe frosts devastating some growers. We then had a very wet start to the summer
which proceeded to dry up with some extreme heat days. The rains then remerged in September making
for difficult conditions with the grapes ripening. The rains did not completely dissipate for the
remainder of harvest and did allow for some nice days to work.
Blend
80% Cabernet Franc, 20% Tannat
Harvest
The Cabernet Franc was harvested on 18 October at 24.2 Brix,
3.83 pH and 5.64g/L TA. The Tannat was
also harvested on 18 October at 23.0 Brix, 3.26 pH and 13.0g/L TA
Vineyard Source:
Benevino Vineyards, Winchester,
VA.
Fermentation
Both grapes fermented for 7 days in stainless steel with D254
Yeast.
Aging
12 months in 100% French Oak Barrels
Bottling Date
17 March 2022
Release Date
October 2022
Technical
Information
12.6% Alc
3.67 pH
6.24 g/L TA
0.4% RS (dry)
