Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon

Our 2012 The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a vibrant bouquet of black cherry, toasted oak and captivating pepperiness. Graceful in the mouth, with a silky texture and lively dark berry fruit, flavors of plum and dark chocolate expand on the palate. Ten months of aging on 100% French oak imparts endearing smokey notes and a touch of sandalwood to our Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine finishes impressively long and showcases wonderful finesse and well-integrated tannins. Pair with a marinated London broil, porcini herb-crusted lamb or the classic New York strip steak.

APPELLATION

The Clarksburg AVA is an up and coming wine region located in California’s Sacramento Delta. Originally known for row crops like the sugar beet, the area was quickly discovered by grape growers attracted by a microclimate which closely mirrored that of nearby Napa Valley. The soils here are a combination of poorly-draining clay and rich loam, meaning the vines experience nutrient-rich, and sometimes arid conditions. During the growing season, warm days give way to cooling afternoon breezes from the San Francisco Bay, dropping temperatures down 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from their daytime highs. This mass of cool air allows wine grapes to retain more acidity than those grown in similarly warm regions.

VINTAGE

In contrast to the challenging vintages of 2010 and 2011, the stars aligned perfectly for Clarksburg in 2012. Clarksburg winemakers enjoyed a long sunny growing season that produced generous amounts of beautiful fruit to work with. Indeed, the biggest challenge of 2012 turned out to be staging the picking and processing, as all the varietals were ready to pick at the same time—a very unusual occurrence. Clarksburg yields were up and quality was exceptional. All the varietals enjoyed extended hang time, developing great color, concentrated flavors, and finely balanced structure and acidity. 2012 will prove to be an exciting year for wines from The Crusher.

THE CRUSHER

For more than 115 years, the Sebastiani name has been synonymous with quality winemaking in Sonoma County. Likewise, the Wilson family has been growing grapes in the Clarksburg region south of Sacramento since 1922. Created in tribute to the multi-generational partnership these two well-regarded wine families have enjoyed, The Crusher is fittingly named for the point where the fruit of one family's labors literally gives way to those of the other.