Nine SunsEstate Red 2018

This 2018 Estate Red marks the 7th vintage for Nine Suns and is their flagship wine. It comes from their 22-acre estate vineyard, Houyi Vineyard. The team is comprised of winemaker, Lloyd Matthews, and consulting winemaker, Philippe Melka. Since planting the vineyard, David Abreu and his team continue to meticulously farm it. At nearly 1,400 feet above sea level on southward sloping acreage on Pritchard Hill, Houyi Vineyard sits above the fog, soaking up the morning sunshine. The red volcanic soil is exceptionally rocky, making vineyard development and farming extremely difficult. However, the efforts were well worth it, as the well-drained soils provide an environment for the vines to produce incredibly concentrated fruit. This 2018 Estate Red is composed of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. It is rich with aromas of baking spice and summer savory. A subtle tension frames the beautiful core of black fruits; think currants and black berries. Hints of earth and red toned fruits make themselves known, owing to the early ripening nature of this sight. The quintessential Pritchard Hill tannins lend this wine a gravitas that lingers, adding length and weight to the finish.