Named for the branding iron owned by the proprietor, the eight-and-a-halfacre

Branding Iron Vineyard lies in western Oakville, close to the base of the

Mayacamas Mountains. The vineyard is comprised of well-drained clay loam

and the vines are vertically trellised to maximize sunlight and open the canopy.

The area’s warm climate and sun exposure in both the morning and afternoon is

perfect for slowly ripening the fruit, which often benefits from a long hang time.

 

The 2007 growing season began after a winter with low rainfall. The warmth in

the soils brought budbreak in early April and bloom in mid-May. A new block

of Cabernet came online this year and the vineyard looked good. The deep loam

soils that are part of the alluvial fans on the west side of Oakville have always

allowed Branding Iron to grow well-balanced, moderate sized vines. In drier

years such as 2007, the moderate crop and deeper soils allowed the tannins

to fully develop as the darker and riper fruit flavors became more concentrated.

 

The 2007 Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon displays forward bright, clear

and ripe black cherry aromas. There is a sense of juiciness to the wine upon

entry. The softness is carried by the wine’s classic structure as it continues to

gain in presence and depth while moving back on the palate. The tremendous

length and layering of flavors is a quality that we associate with this and other

west Oakville vineyards.

 

ALSO AVAILABLE ARE:

John C. Sullinger Vineyard (Oakville), State Line Ranch (Yountville), CC Ranch Rutherford (Rutherford), Vogt Ranch (Howell Mountain)