On the nose, the Dancing Crow Cabernet highlights the
power and elegance of Lake County. Aromas of ripe
cherry and plump, fresh fig are elevated by flavors of
purple plum and wild raspberry, culminating with
cocoa-like tannins and a hint of milk chocolate on the
long, smooth finish.
The terroir of our 20-acre Old Stake 1901 property in the
Kelsey Bench AVA is ideal for Cabernet with its elevation,
volcanic deposits, and cool afternoon winds. The Kelsey
Bench AVA in Lake County was originally a pyroclastic flow
from over ten thousand years ago and is a transition point
between the volcanic Mayacamas Mountains to the west
and the alluvial flood plain of the Clear Lake basin to the
east. The soils in the vineyard reflect this intersection,
offering mildly rocky, red volcanic elements mixed with
alluvial loams. The vineyards sit between 1,350 and
1,450 ft., and this elevation, along with the cooling effects
of the lake and nearby mountains, create 50°F diurnal
temperature swings, that produce wine of ideal acidity,
sturdy tannin structure and complex fruit characteristics.
The 2021 Lake County harvest is showing excellent quality
and intensity of flavors in the red varieties. Bud break was
a week earlier than average due to early season growing
conditions within the 1300+ ft. vineyards. While our fruit set
was slightly decreased, the loose clusters facilitated airflow
and steady ripening, with the grapes demonstrating
wonderfully complex and concentrated flavor profiles.
Generally, in Lake County we see a short break between the
harvest of white and red varieties, however, this year reds
followed immediately after whites due to the late summer
heat. Harvest began in late September.
Our Cabernet showcases a bold yet refined structure, with a
hint of red fruit brightness. This wine consists of 76%
Cabernet Sauvignon co-fermented with 24% Merlot to
develop complexity. Picking was a combination of nighttime
hand and machine harvesting, to retain freshness, while
utilizing a relatively cool fermentation to boost the fruit and
floral traits. The addition of Big Valley AVA Merlot imparts a
softening freshness to balance out the density and tannins of
the Cabernet. We conducted ML with French and Hungarian
oak to promote integration, with a particular focus on
producing uplifting flavors that excite the palate.
The 2021 Lake County harvest is showing excellent quality and intensity of flavors in the red varieties. Bud break was a week earlier than average due to early season growing conditions within the 1300+ ft. vineyards. While our fruit set was slightly decreased, the loose clusters facilitated airflow and steady ripening, with the grapes demonstrating wonderfully complex and concentrated flavor profiles. Generally, in Lake County we see a short break between the harvest of white and red varieties, however, this year reds followed immediately after whites due to the late summer heat. Harvest began in late September.
