2021 Desire Lines "Cachagua Ridge Vineyard" Carmel Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Antonio Galloni for Vinous on the producer: "Once again, I was impressed with Emily and Cody Rasmussen’s wines... As always, the wines are done with a light hand and focus on expression of place." (01/2022) A mailing list-only release from Cody Rasmussen, assistant winemaker at legendary Bedrock, this 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Desire Lines is dubbed 'Number 12' in their Experimental Series. The winery explains, "We’ve named this wine 'Cachagua Ridge' as an ode to the place—the vineyard is planted on a ridge above the Cachagua Valley, below the towering peaks of the Ventana Wilderness. The wine was fully destemmed; fermented and left on skins for 30 days; racked once over the course of a fifteen-month élevage, and raised in a mix of 225L and 500L barrels with 40% new oak included (Taransaud’s Grande Chauffe toast). I love the balance of savory and fruit-sweet elements within this wine, and I’m kind of astounded by the density and ripeness the wine possesses at just 13.4% alcohol. I think the wine is drinking exceptionally well right now, and I expect it to age beautifully – a perfect cellar defender Cabernet from one of my new favorite wine regions."