Composition
83% Cabernet Sauvignon - Clones 15 & 337
9% Merlot - Clone 181
8% Cabernet Franc - Clone 332
Winemaking Notes
The superior terroir of Sonoma Valley has been recognized since the late 1800's. Our Justi Creek Vineyards lie at the heart of this fabled region. Inspired by the French settler who first established a winery on our land, we crafted this Cabernet based blend. Fascinated by stories of trailblazing vintners, we named this blend 'Reminiscence', paying homage to these pioneer winemakers, their heirloom farming traditions and classic winemaking techniques. Our organically farmed vineyards are planted with the high quality Cabernet Sauvignon clones 337 & 15. These clones offer richness and finesse to all great Cabernets. Cabernet Franc and Merlot complete the blend, offering suppleness and aromatic intrigue. Aged 18 months in French Oak, the wine leads with notes of cassis and spice. On the palate, ripe fruit and toasty oak meld, giving dimension and complexity. An unforgettable wine, recalled with nostalgia.
Vineyard Notes
Justi Creek Vineyards is our original estate property, located at our winery in Glen Ellen, which was an enclave for the earliest French winemakers in California in the 1890's. Under the care of the Lasseters, it has been painstakingly restored and reimagined with great attention to detail, and is the site of a small, eco-friendly, state-of-the-art winery.
This site benefits from being a warmer area within the valley, but also the narrowest section, resulting in a funnel that concentrates the cool ocean breezes and creates huge diurnal shifts that allow for long hang time and full flavor development with good acid retention.
The Upper Bench Blocks are situated above the valley floor, on undulating terrain. The quick draining, cobbly soils of these blocks are ideal for the red Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.