The vineyard blocks in S.L.V. provided a “painter’s palette” of Cabernet
Sauvignon characteristics with which to create this blend. As the
majority of the 1970s-era vines have aged past their grape-producing
prime, they have been gradually replanted, perpetuating the life of this
historic vineyard. The “grande dame” of the vineyard, S.L.V. Block 4,
planted in 1972, still graces this blend. This block along with the vines
in S.L.V. blocks 3A and 3B, characterized by the fi re-borne volcanic soils
on the eastern side of S.L.V., gives this wine its structure and notes of
minerality along with concentrated dark fruit fl avors and ripe, elegant
tannins. Vines in alluvial soils in the western part of the vineyard add
accent notes of vibrant fruit fl avors and heady aromatics. Each lot was
vinifi ed and aged separately in small French oak barrels for 24 months,
allowing the characteristics of each block to develop. This added subtle
hints of spice and caramel to the fi nished wine. In the latter stages of
aging, the barrel lots were blended and the 2008 S.L.V. was born.