Tasting Notes: The 2019 1886 Ehlers Estate Cabernet Sauvignon is a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from different blocks on the Estate vineyards. A total of four clones of Cabernet Sauvignon make up this particular blend: 8, 15, SEE, 337. Every year I select the best barrels from the Cabernet Sauvignon blocks that have been fermented and aged separately for the 1886. This wine is the flagship wine for Ehlers Estate and a true expression of the Estate vineyards and the timeless value of wines made to last. Deep red-purple, intense aromas of boysenberries, Maraschino cherries, dark chocolate, leather, and herbs, like thyme and rosemary. Full body with firm tannins, long bright mineral finish with berry flavors, cedar, and spices. The 2019 1886 will need some time in the bottle. Aging potential: 15-20 years. Decanting recommended. Unfined/Unfiltered

Vintage: 2019 turned out to be a near-perfect vintage.  With a cold rainy winter and extended rainy season into late spring, we had a couple of weeks delay in flowering and setting.  All the work in the vineyard was tricky due to the rains.  But a warm, late summer helped us to catch up phenologically.  A cooling trend followed the summer that allowed us to hang the fruit longer for more flavor and tannin development.  Cooler nights and mild temperatures during the day helped retain the acidity and aromas of the fruit.

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest: October 2019
Wine Analysis: 14.5 % alcohol / 3.71 pH
Aging: 65% new French Oak, 22 months
Appellation: St. Helena, Napa Valley
Bottling Date: August 2021
Cases Produced: 1230 cases
 

Awards and Accolades: 94 Points - James Suckling, 93 Points - Wine Spectator, 90 Points - Vinous