Tasting Notes
The 2016 Maestro Collection Ranch No. 1 is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from our historic vineyard in
Rutherford. Cabernet Sauvignon is the predominant varietal but Merlot (16%) and Petit Verdot (6%)
round out the final blend. The Cabernet Sauvignon offers lifted aromas of fresh black currant and
blackberry with hints of anise seed and green coffee bean, alongside delicate spice notes from the
well-integrated oak aging. The Merlot contributes juicy dark plum fruit notes and a plush, round texture
on the palate. The smaller amount of Petit Verdot adds a richness and full tannin structure, deep color and
exotic aromas and flavors of black licorice, black pepper and wild violet, leading to a long persistent finish.
Winemaking Notes
After hand harvesting, the grapes were immediately brought across the street into the winery. The grapes
were destemmed and crushed and cold soaked for 2 to 4 days to gently ease color and flavor. During the
10 to 12-day fermentation, timely pumpovers kept the skins in contact with the juice for excellent flavor
and tannin extraction. The wine spent 20 months in 80% new French oak and 20% new American oak
barrels giving the final wine softened tannins and beautiful toasty barrel notes.
Vineyard Notes
Encompassing the original Georges de Latour Estate, which was first planted in the early 1900’s,
Ranch No. 1 is an 80-acre property in the heart of Rutherford. On the Rutherford bench with a variety
of alluvial fan soils that foster exceptional quality in Bordeaux-style varietals, the vineyard is planted to
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The well-draining gravel loam soils allow deep rooting
and the development of grapes with complex flavors.
Vintage Notes
The extended drought was beginning to cause real concern as the 2016 growing season kicked off,
but some welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. After a relatively dry January we enjoyed
significant rainfall in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early, but was slowed by
heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than
2015, right around Labor Day, and continued at a leisurely pace, allowing the grapes to reach full
flavor maturity. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended
mild season helped to balance the acids and add complexity to the layers of flavors. Considered a
perfect harvest and a winemaker’s dream vintage, conditions were perfect for producing a Cabernet
with beautiful fruit as well as tremendous concentration of flavors, highly saturated color, and layers
of complexity
