The Cabernet Sauvignon vines that produced this wine are both now just under 30 years old and are near their optimal maturity. Growing at altitudes of 3000 and 1200 feet respectively these vines have a late ripening cycle and produce grapes that show how good Sierra Foothill Cabernet Sauvignon can be. After hard-harvesting and crushing the grapes were fermented over seven-day periods in open-top containers. During fermentation the must was punched down by hand four times a day to extract maximum color and varietal character. After settling the wine was aged in neutral French and American Oak barrels to let as much varietal character show through as possible. The wine was racked by gravity flow only, never pumped, and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Malbec is known as a lesser Bordeaux grape variety used in making red wine. Nonetheless, Malbec wines tend to have an inky dark color, a brooding spicy element and significant tannins. Long known as one of the six grapes allowed in the blend of red Bordeaux wine the French plantations of Malbec are now found primarily in Cahors in South West France region but the wine is extensively produced in Argentina.

Gold Medal winner and Best of Region California State Fair. The Cabernet Franc vines that produced 60% of this wine are now 27 years old and are near their optimal maturity. Growing at an altitude of 1200 feet, these vines have a mid to late ripening cycle. After hard harvesting and crushing, the grapes were fermented over a 14 day period in open top containers. The must was punched down by hand four times a day to extract maximum color and varietal character. The wine was pressed in a small manually operated vertical basket press. After settling the wine was aged in neutral French and American oak barrels to let us much varietal character. The wine as racked by gravity flow only, never pumped. And was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

2010 marked the 15th harvest of one of Crystal Basin Cellars flagship wines. Cabernet Franc is primarily from the Gold Hill Vineyard in El Dorado County which overlooks the American River Canyon. The vineyard enjoys warm days and cooling breezes at night. This micro-climate allows an optimal ripening cycle and showcases a glowing example of the intense flavors possible from the Sierra Foothills Cabernet Franc grapes. The Sauber Vineyard is on the southern end of El Dorado County and has perfect ripening conditions and acclimation for Cab Franc.

The Grenache grape is the number one grown grape in California. This classic Southern Rhone wine grape is packed with rich ripe strawberry flavors with a tough of spiciness and a lighter fruit-burst finish. This wine exudes the character of the Rhone River Valley Appellation Gigondasand hasthat powerful hint of smokiness and soft tannin. The wine also exhibits full round fruit flavors and shows the traditional earth tone Rhone style.

This Merlot shows deep classic dark fruit, caramelized apple and powdery cocoa flavors that are redolent of the Right Bank of Bordeaux's Gironde River (not your Grandma's merlot). This is a powerful wine big and rich with huge fruit and low tannins.