Wine

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	Wine Statistics Varietal Composition- Approximately 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot, 15% Syrah Appellation- Carmel Valley Harvest Date-  October 20, 2003 Brix at Harvest- 25.5 Alchohol: 15.2% by volume Total Acidity- .70 pH- 3.5 Barrel Aged-  20 Months Bottle aged- Twelve months prior to release Cooperage- New and one year old French Oak Production- 2.1 Tons  96 Cases

2004 Crist Family Vineyard Spencer’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley

Winemaker Notes
2004 was another finicky year.  With bud break in mid March and cool weather through fruit set, I knew the crop load would be small, yet concentrated.  The summer was not exceptionally hot although we did have a few weeks of Indian summer typical of Carmel Valley in October.  Warm days and cool nights as harvest approached extend the hang time and intensified the flavors of the fruit.  The small crop was handpicked on November 12th.  The yield from the estate vineyard produced two barrels of wine.  Wanting to produce at least 100 cases I thought I’d try something different.  I picked up a half a barrel of Syrah from Parsonage Village Winery, down the road and blended the wine with some more Cabernet Sauvignon from Galante Vineyards.  And finally, the wine slept in the finest French oak barrels, closely monitored until bottled,  unfined and unfiltered. The result was fabulous.

Review
I thought the 2004 Spencer's was nice and interesting with good balance and complex flavors. I like the layers it is showing now, and think it will continue to develop well for the next few years. I found tangy red berry, plum and black currants, some black olives, spice and smooth firm tannins all giving pleasing flavors. The touch of smoke, game and blueberry give extra depth and mix well with the overall wine. Very good. 92 Points, grapelive