Arnot-Roberts Cabernet Sauvignon Clajeux Sonoma 2017

• Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts are two of the most dynamic, young winemakers in California leading the charge for site specific wines with balance and integrity
• Vineyard sources range from the Sonoma Coast, Santa Cruz Mtns, Napa Valley and Moon Mtn AVA's 
• They produce a variety of wines from Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay, Trousseau and Gamay.  As well as limited amounts of Ribolla Gialla, Rose, Zinfandel and an Old Vine White 
• Production methods are firmly planted in the "old world" with generous use of whole clusters, natural fermentations, very limited use of new oak (only in Cabernet) and modest alcohol levels

VARIETALS: Cabernet Sauvignon

VINEYARD: cool and rocky site in the Mayacama Mountains is home to the Clajeux Vineyard. We have hand worked the same 12 rows in this vineyard-formerly called Wild Iris-since 2003. Planted to clone 7 in well drained volcanic soils, this site is cooled by afternoon breezes sweeping in from the Russian River Valley below and the ocean to the West. As a result, the vineyard is characterized by long slow flavor development in the grapes and naturally low yields. Fermented 30% whole cluster and aged 22 months in 30% new French oak barrels hand crafted by Nathan Roberts.

ORIENTATION: Southwest facing

SOIL: Volcanic

VITICULTURE: Organic, vertical shoot positioned

VINIFICATION: 30% whole-cluster, native yeast primary + secondary fermentation.

AGING: 22 months in 30% new French Oak

PRODUCTION: 6 barrels produced.

ORGANIC.

VINOUS RATING 94
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Clajeux Vineyard is a powerful, savory wine. A blast of red cherry, plum, chalk, chocolate and scorched earth gives the wine its distinctive profile. The purity of the flavors is striking. Medium in body, nuanced and super-expressive, the Clajeux is superb in 2016. It is a terrific expression of Sonoma's Chalk Hill district.