2019 Gravel Series ‘Scholar’s Gate’ Cabernet Sauvignon 1.5L
Traditionally a mark of respect to honor the accomplishments of the first family scholar, Scholar’s Gate is a tribute to determination and the power of hard work.
Accolades
96 points - Antonio Galloni
“The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravel Series Scholar's Gate emerges from Block 7B in the Rutherford property. It is one of the most elegant wines I have ever tasted from Round Pond. Power and finesse come together effortlessly in a dramatic Cabernet Sauvignon that hits all the right notes. Blackberry jam, chocolate, spice and leather pretty much bury the potent tannins that lie beneath."
96 points - Jeb Dunnuck
“Lastly, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Scholar's Gate comes from a site near Caymus. More medium to full-bodied, it's another pure, balanced, elegant wine in the lineup. Giving up notes of new leather, sandalwood, and dried flowers, as well as copious amounts of red and black fruits, this complex, nuanced, layered beauty is ideal for drinking over the coming 15 years. It's one of the more elegant Cabernets in the lineup from Round Pond."
Tasting Notes
Concentrated and full-bodied, this wine offers notes of allspice and black cherry on the nose. Layered flavors of blackberry and currant mingle with a savory hint of tapenade and a touch of licorice on the finish. This opulent wine is powerful with a seductive sweetness and silky mouthfeel that will continue to age beautifully over the next 20 years.
Vineyard Notes
The 2019 rainy season was punctuated by a fairly large rain event in May which allowed vines to grow and develop with low to no irrigation. The growing season was long and, towards the end, very mild. We were allowed to pick when the fruit was ready without having our hands forced by extreme heat or rain. We are extremely pleased with the quality and character of the resulting 2019 wines with bright, tropical white varieties and red varieties demonstrating richly saturated red fruit notes such as ripe raspberry and dark cherry with soft supple tannins.
Winemaker Notes
The northeastern section of our Rutherford property, the Red Barn Vineyard, features a gravel streak meandering through three blocks. Meticulously farmed and delivering lower yields of tiny berries, these blocks produce beautifully concentrated flavors, rich aromatics, and ripe tannins.
Technical Details
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Cabernet Sauvignon (100%)
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Rutherford
- Vintage:
- 2019
- Case Production:
- 6 Barrels