2003 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
Catena Alta CS 2003
Wine Description

Fact Sheet

Expanding on the vineyard lots previously used in this wine, the 2003 vintage is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the lime, clay soil in Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard, the sandy, lime soil of Lot 3 in the Domingo vineyard, and the sandy soil in Lot 5 of the Adrianna vineyard. All three vineyards experienced slightly warmer than usual March temperatures, with average temperatures in La Pirámide 1.9° C above normal, thermal amplitudes some 3° C less in Domingo, and average temperatures 2° C higher than usual in Adrianna. As a result La Pirámide offered ripe, concentrated cassis flavors with a rich, plush texture; Domingo  presented a fresh ripeness with a structured frame; and the Adrianna vineyard added an excellent opaque violet color, ripe black cherry flavors and finely grained tannins. This vintage should be enjoyed in 6 to 8 years and will continue to improve over the following 14 years.

Name: Catena Alta
Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2003
Vineyards: La Piramide Vineyard, Agrelo district, 3,100’ elevation
Domingo Vineyard, Villa Bastias district, 3,700’ elevation
Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary district, 4,550’ elevation
Harvest Date: La Piramide Vineyard: April 10, 2003
Domingo Vineyard, April 14, 2003
Adrianna Vineyard, April 26, 2003
Fermentation: Max. Temp. 28° C for a 14 day fermentation and 28 day maceration.
Aging: 15 months in French oak, 80% new
Alcohol: 14.2% vol
Acidity/pH: 5.70/3.60
Fining/Filtration: Unfined/Unfiltered
Production: 4,000 9 liter cases