Vintage
2004 was a challenging but highly successful vintage for the Santa Cruz Mountains. A heat spike in early September forced us to re-evaluate our traditional cool-climate viticultural practices. Hard work and patience allowed us to adapt to growing conditions that were more like Napa or Sonoma than Santa Cruz Mountains. Beautiful weather during most of our “ripening zone” led to miniscule yields of intensely flavored fruit.

Vineyard
The Raines Vineyard is often our first Cabernet Sauvignon to be harvested in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We only harvest fruit from top-half of the vineyard where the soils are thinner and the new clones are less vigorous and better balanced than their lower vinous compatriots.

Winemaking
After a 4-day cold soak, we fermented the fruit in small open top bins and kept the juice in contact in the skins for almost two weeks. We gently pressed the grapes after extracting the necessary tannin, flavor and color. Elevage was 22 months in 35% new French Oak with 3-4 rackings per year.

Tasting Notes
Sporting cherry, blackberry and sweet herbs on the nose and a patina of toasted oak to keep things interesting, the ’04 Raines Cab speaks to its arid hillside origins. The mouth is loaded with black fruits, sweet cherry and great tannin structure. It is full bodied and packed with dark blackberry fruit. An intriguing gravel/loamy character sets off the long and complex finish. Drink now or hold for 3-7 years.

TECHNICAL DATA:

Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains

WINEMAKER
Michael Martella

COMPONENTS: 97% Raines Cabernet Sauvignon

Finished alcohol: 15.6% ABV
Acid: TA 0.67g/ 100ml
pH: 3.63
Oak treatment: 22 months, 27% New French Oak
Total production: 153 cases
Release date: October 15, 2007
California suggested retail: $55.00

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