2016 Goldschmidt Yoeman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

After flying the globe for many years as the head winemaker for the likes of Simi, Allied Domecq, and Beam Estates, Nick decided to start a family company with his wife Yolyn in 1998. The goal of the company was to focus on site-specific winemaking from great vineyard sites from around the world. Having produced so many world-class wines from around the globe, Nick knew exactly from which vineyard sites he would choose to make his wines. The wines Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt produce are all single vineyard, handcrafted, small production, artisan wines.

Nick's famous resume includes many brands that are well known to American consumers. He's made wines at Simi, Cloudy Bay, Clos du Bois, Atlas Peak, William Hill, Buena Vista, and Gary Farrell, in addition to his own brands called Forefathers and Goldschmidt.

The 2016 Goldschmidt Yoeman Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon comes from a small mountain vineyard just south of the town of Geyserville. This terraced vineyard slopes to the southeast and is comprised of well-draining, glacial loam. Soft morning sun promotes slower grape maturation and longer “hang times” in this secluded micro-climate. Planted in 1988, it is made up of two very old field selections which allow for more diversity in the clusters. Upon achieving full ripeness, they vary in size, acidity, and flavor profile. One shows more red fruit and the other more black fruit characteristics Such plant diversity grants more complexity within the site. Yoeman is a low input vineyard with very low yields and is typically picked 2-3 weeks later than their Oakville vineyards. Rarely do vineyard conditions afford a winemaker the opportunity to make a wine such as this. With its multi-layering and pronounced “grip,” Nick Goldschmidt pushes the stylistic boundary of Alexander Valley Cabernet.

Tasting Notes: Red Wine. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. We found this to be that perfect third bottle. Fresh, fruity and delicious, but not overly tannic or requiring food. Highly recommended on its own.

Deep mohagony; packed with raspberry and ripe black fruit characters expanding into mint and toasty oak aromas. On the palate, black cherry and plum layers weave seamlessly through the red tobacco and earthy overtones. Full-bodied and nicely balanced. Soft mid-palate with velvety tannins. Finishes with espresso bean.