Winemaker Notes

The blend for the 2015 Creative Impulse is 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, all from DuBrul Vineyard. Sparkling ruby-purple color with a multifaceted bouquet of cassis, black cherry, gravel, dark chocolate, thyme, mint, and nutmeg. Very complex on the palate with notes of cassis, black plum, smoldering incense, tobacco, mint, espresso, and herbes de Provence. Beautifully balanced with slightly firm tannins and refreshing acidity. Very long length with notes of cassis, gravel, and aged cigar tobacco. Properly cellared, this wine will gracefully evolve for 15+ years and should reach maturity in 8-10 years.

Technical Details

The wine had a pre-fermentation maceration of 156 hours and a post-fermentation maceration of 38 hours. The wine was fermented with 100% native yeasts and was punched down by hand 3 times each day during macerations and fermentation. All individual wine components, including free run and press fractions, were kept separate until final blending. The wine had an elevage of 30 months in French Oak puncheons. The oak profile is 60% new French oak (predominantly from Troncais and Alliers) and 40% neutral French oak. The wine was racked twice and not fined. The wine was very lightly filtered to capture any remaining lees.

Reviews

The ‘Creative Impulse’ is a spectacular blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon with the remainder Merlot all sourced from the DuBrul Vineyard. The nose is highly complex and very pretty with red rose petals that mingle with the black tea, licorice and blackberry compote with nice herbal tones that sing aromatically. The palate show wonderful balance and poise delivering rich dark fruit and sagebrush flavors that mingle with mocha undertones. While delightful now, this elegant wine will have a very long time in the cellar. Drink 2019-2035. - 94 Points, Owen Bargreen, International Wine Report

Cases Produced: 102