Goldschmidt Vineyards 'The Conspirator' Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, California

At the heart of Oakville, a region synonymous with world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, lies the Goldschmidt Vineyards' 4-acre gem that birthed 'The Conspirator.' This 2019 vintage embodies winemaker Nick Goldschmidt's unorthodox approach to crafting exceptional wines at a value. Surrounded by giants like Robert Mondavi To-Kalon, Far Niente, and Opus One, this organic, dry-farmed vineyard, planted in 1972, defies convention to reveal the quintessence of Oakville's Cabernet Sauvignon.

Technical Mastery and Terroir Expression:

• Vintage: 2019
• Harvest Date: November 1, 2019
• Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Vineyard Area: 4 acres, organically farmed
• Trellising System: Vertical Shoot
• Row Orientation: East-West, optimizing sunlight exposure
• Yield: 2.95 tons per acre, reflecting concentrated fruit quality
• pH: 3.77, indicating a balanced acidity
• Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L, ensuring freshness
• Alcohol Content: 14.7%, striking a balance between potency and elegance
• Aging: 20 months in 100% French oak (20% new, 80% 2-3 year-old barrels), enhancing complexity
• Malolactic Fermentation: Full, softening the wine's acidity
• Fining: No, preserving authenticity
• Filtering: No, retaining depth and texture
• Production: Limited to 500 cases, highlighting exclusivity

Sensory Exploration:

This wine's bright garnet color with purple nuances heralds the exquisite journey ahead. A bouquet of delicate strawberries, enhanced by raspberries and plum, sets the stage for a palate laced with sweet vanilla and caramel—a testament to its meticulous aging in tight-grain French oak. The inherent balance of this wine, with its soft, supple tannins and vibrant red fruit, is a tribute to the unique climatic harmony of Oakville, where the blend of down-valley coolness and up-valley warmth fosters the perfect expression of Cabernet Sauvignon.

A Vintage to Remember:

The 2019 growing season was marked by significant winter rainfall, leading to a prolonged moisture profile that, coupled with a warm, fog-laden summer, allowed for slow ripening and the development of expressive, finely textured wines. The resulting lower yield has culminated in a vintage of exceptional quality, characterized by bright red fruits, balanced acidity, and a remarkable depth of flavor.

The Conspirator's Legacy:

'The Conspirator' stands as a testament to Nick Goldschmidt's dedication to revealing the storied terroir of Oakville through a lens of innovation and accessibility. This Cabernet Sauvignon, with its intense color, robust structure, and lasting finish, is poised to evolve beautifully over the next 15 years, inviting connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike to discover the legacy and craftsmanship of Goldschmidt Vineyards.