By Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
2022 Armillary Cabernet Sauvignon

Background
An armillary is a metal cage around a globe consisting of a spherical framework of rings representing lines of celestial longitude and latitude, as well as other astronomically important features. As the FAY and S.L.V. Estate Vineyards are the center of our world at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, a concentrated blend of the two could be considered our armillary, guiding and influencing everything we do.

Vintage Details
The 2022 vintage was the third year in a row of drought. Following the 2021 harvest, we received a record rainfall of 11.20 inches at the end of October, resulting in saturated soil. Unfortunately, the rest of the winter was remarkably dry. We began the 2022 season with early mowing and tillage to conserve as much soil moisture as possible. There was an unusual hail/rainstorm at bloom that reduced yields in some vineyards. This was followed by a late frost in mid-April, but thankfully, we did not get extreme freezing temperatures. Spring weather was very unpredictable, with a mix of cool, warm, and hot days. To add to the excitement, Mother Nature gave us some late-June rain that increased the mildew pressure across the valley. It wasn't until mid-July that we reached our typical summer temperatures. The rest of the summer saw average temperatures and good growing conditions. Then, just at the start of harvest, we experienced a nine-day heat wave with record temperatures. Despite the drought and extreme heat at harvest, with careful attention to the timing of our work in the vineyards, we brought in exceptional fruit. Overall, the wines from this vintage have riper flavors and softer acid structures.?

Production
The 2022 Armillary is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc (22% from FAY and 78% from S.L.V.) made in a bold style with notes of chocolate and sweet berries that will age well over time. Individual lots are blended early in the fermentation process to enable the flavors to marry together during the aging process. The wine was aged for 19 months in 100% new French oak barrels.

Wine Details
Blend: 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc
Aging: 19 months in 100% new French oak
Alcohol: 15.20
TA: 0.55 g/100 ml
pH: 3.78

Tasting Notes
This wine delights the senses with aromas of ripe blackberry, boysenberry, and luscious cherry compote. These are complemented by delicate hints of black tea, baking spices, and rich creme brulee. On the palate, it provides a rich and textured experience, showcasing a full, structured mouthfeel and intense dark berry flavors. This leads to an extended, full-bodied finish, accented by notes of cedar.
[Information provided by Stag's Leap Wine Cellars]