2017 Barrack Family Le Deux
Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
2017 Barrack Family Estate Le Deux
AVA
HAPPY CANYON OF SANTA BARBARA
ESTATE GROWN, HAPPY CANYON VINEYARD
50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Merlot
Alcohol 13.9%
THE STORY OF THE WINE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCEbQIoGb7U
In 2017, Tom Barrack wanted to create a supreme expression of our vineyard to celebrate the year that would mark the 20th anniversary of the moment the decision was made to plant vineyards. The aim was to create only 2 barrels of a very special wine exclusively for the family, utilizing the very best grapes and techniques available. His view of the vineyard:
"Our family has the privilege of producing wine in this special place, and having our family unite in that passion. Our goal is to teach our children to be good stewards of the land, and show them the importance of hard work, dedication, loyalty to a product and to excellence. So that in turn, their shared passion and character will produce a legacy of both great wine and people."
The winemaker, son in law to Tom Barrack, harvested the best fruit on our property from the beautiful Block 8, own rooted, Cabernet Sauvignon and Block 2, clone 181, Merlot. He barreled the wine in two barrels, and meticulously cared for the wine for two years. The wine was blended and bottled in 2019. We have been waiting for the wine to mature and only release when ready. That moment is now, and we are honored to share this “two of a kind” blend with others to enjoy as it is the supreme reflection of the vineyard’s capability and a celebration of the place.
Two Decades, Two Rivers, Two Horses, Two Varietals, Two Barrels.......... "Le Deux"
WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2017 vintage was a true reflection of our potential. 2017 saw the first significant winter rains in some time, with heavy storms in January and February. Vine vigor was normal due to a cool spring. Wind and cool weather at fruit set, left a slightly smaller than average crop. Summer saw warm to hot days with cool evenings. August and into fall were ideal, with warm days and cool nights, allowing the grapes to mature at an even pace. The fruit reached perfect physiological ripeness retaining natural grape acidity resulting in very balanced wines with rich concentrated varietal flavors. Our Cabernet Sauvignon Block 8 “Jodi’s Block” is a truly special vineyard; head trained vines planted to the steep southwest facing hillside. Due to the steepness of the slope the vineyard is entirely hand done and the terrain has been untouched by machine. Our Merlot Block 2 is equally dramatic, with sprawling oak trees, native to the CA landscape; the soil is rocky, lean, and rugged giving classic and lovely merlot fruit expression. The fermentation was carried out in small lots using old oak barrels and hand-crafted winemaking techniques. The wine was then matured for just over 2 years in all new Taransaud French Oak, thin stave, medium toasted barrels. The wine was racked two times in barrel and bottled in September of 2019.
TASTING NOTES
The finished wine has dark intense black / red velvet color with hues of magenta. The aromas open with lush black fruits, brioche toast, plums, and cranberries that jump out of the glass. On the palate, the wine has intensely structured tannins, superlatively balanced with dark fruit and steady acidity. The wine displays stunning and persistent length with savory fruit, a lush mouthfeel, and complex fruit that evolves and develops as the wine opens in the glass.
PRODUCTION VOLUME
2 barrels, 480 bottles