2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Deep ruby in appearance with an inky black rim, the bouquet opens with notes of fresh toast that accent opulent aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, bergamot, jasmine, vanilla, cocoa, and crushed sage. On the palate, taut acidity, coupled with dusty, mouthcoating tannins—a Horse Heaven Hills trademark—balance supple, concentrated flavors. The firmly structured, full-bodied mouthfeel and succulent texture linger on the finish.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 14.7%
  • 6.1 G/L
  • 3.83
  • September 2021
  • September 2022
Growing Season

The 2019 growing season was bookended by unseasonably cool weather. A late start to the vintage saw good fruit set, followed by an intensely hot summer that sped up phenolic and fruit ripening. Overall, an intriguing year for the vine—culminating in a cool close to the season with grapes yielding luxuriously elegant tannins, ripe flavors, and vibrant acidity.

Vineyard Details

In order to capture a balance of ripe fruit and fresh acidity, Trothe fruit was the first picked in most blocks.

  • 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot
  • CS98 (55%), CS03 (41%), MR06E (4%)
  • Clone 8
  • 9 Barrels

Block CS98

Planted 1998, 9x6 spacing, southern slope (20-25%), warm site, 990-1090 ft. elevation, Mikkalo and Warden silt loam soil

Block CS03

Planted 2003, 9x6 spacing, very slight southern slope, cool site, 980-1000 ft. elevation, Warden silt loam soil

Block MR06E

Clone 3, planted 2006, 8x3 spacing, minimal slope, moderate to warm site, 1020 ft. elevation, Warden silt loam soil

Cellaring

The velvety tannins are expressive of a riper vintage and make our Cabernet approachable now—especially paired with heartier fare—however, the wine will continue to develop over the next 8-10 years to unveil even greater complexity, maintaining bright freshness throughout.

Vinification

The 2019 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon was vinified using several different methods, such as concrete fermenters, each matched to the specifics of the blocks and fruit characteristics. The result is a complex blend that accentuates the individuality of each block. The wine was aged over 23 months in 77% new French oak, followed by 13 months in bottle.