Fog Mountain, Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2023
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | FM202A23 | 12 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Fog Mountain pays homage to the mountain ranges and their cooling fogs, which have a considerable influence on Californian viticulture. These mountains offer unique climatic conditions and varied soils on which to plant vines. At the same time, the fogs create the ideal microclimate, prolonging the growing season and allowing the grapes to ripen fully. All the fruit for these wines is sourced exclusively from sustainably farmed vineyards throughout California, predominantly on the North Coast.
The wines are aged for six months in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh primary fruit aromas, with a small proportion of the wine aged in neutral French oak barrels to round out the tannins and add a hint of spice. The Merlot is juicy and approachable with aromas of baked plums, black cherry and violets, supported by supple tannins. The Cabernet Sauvignon, which includes a small amount of Petit Verdot and Merlot, presents vibrant flavours of redcurrants, dried plums, and a hint of spice, with well-structured tannins and a polished finish.
Vineyards
The grapes for Fog Mountain’s Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced exclusively from sustainably-farmed vineyards throughout California, including fruit from Lodi and Paso Robles. A small proportion of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah is also incorporated into the blend. The mountain slopes offer unique soils and a climate that is ideally suited for responsible sustainable agriculture. The fog cools the vineyards, preserving fresh acidity in the grapes and lengthening the ripening period for the development of complex aromatics.
Vintage
The 2023 vintage will be remembered as one of exceptional quality. Plentiful winter rains revitalized the soils and encouraged healthy canopies, providing the foundation for an outstanding growing season. Spring was one of the coolest on record, with cooler temperatures across all of California allowing grapes to develop gradually and enjoy extended ripening time. This resulted in harvest beginning late throughout the region, running anywhere from two weeks to a full month behind normal timing, with the coolest September in history further extending the growing season. The prolonged maturation period allowed grapes to achieve ideal balance and concentration, creating what many vintners predict will be one of the finest vintages in years.
Vinification
The grapes underwent a cold soak prior to fermentation. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, followed by roughly two weeks of maceration on the skins to extract tannins and lend structure to the wine. Ageing took place predominantly in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh primary fruit aromas, with the remainder of the wine aged in neutral French oak barrels, to round out the tannins.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with enticing aromas of blackberry, bramble, violet and a hint of spice. On the palate it is medium-bodied and plush, showing rich flavours of blackcurrant, plum and redcurrant, framed by soft, well-integrated tannins and a smooth, polished texture. Gentle oak influence adds a touch of vanilla and gentle pepper spice, leading to a lingering, balanced finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.97 g/l
Residual Sugar
3.83 g/l
pH
3.57