Simi Landslide Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

From the winery:

One of the most complex vineyards in Alexander Valley, Landslide is comprised of five distinct soil types that were created by a volcanic landslide from Mount St. Helena. The vineyard also has three different distinguishable sections and several microclimates.

After years of drought, hot summers and early harvests, 2018 returned to what winemakers call the “old normal.” Timing for the entire growing season ran three to four weeks later than in recent years and recalled classic vintages from the 1990s, when winter temperatures remained cool and vines received just enough rainfall. Bud break occurred at a more typical time in late March, and minimal rain and wind during May flowering resulted in a generous but not excessive cluster count. The only real weather concern during the growing season was a single heat spike in June during fruit set. Summer progressed with cool, foggy mornings in August and none of the typical late-summer heat waves. Weather throughout October was glorious with foggy, cool mornings and sunny days.

The Landslide Cabernet is the quintessential SIMI Cabernet - lush, bold, fruit-forward and will pair well with almost any meal. It pairs beautifully with pappardelle pasta with duck and porcini ragu, braised short ribs, and polenta, or grilled portobello mushroom on toasted brioche.

WINEMAKERS: Rebecca Valls & Lisa Evich

VINTAGE: 2018

VARIETALS: 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 4% Merlot, 1% Tannat

ALCOHOL: 13.5%

APPELLATION: Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

VINEYARDS:Landslide Vineyard

AGING: 24 months

BARRELS: 40% new French oak