Small Lots two 2009

BLEND
48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc

FLAVOUR PROFILE
A deep garnet colour with an amazing bouquet of sweet smoky oak, black cherry, plum, blackberry, cocoa, vanilla, cedar box and Chai spice. This full-bodied wine has velvety yet drying tannins, good structure and moderate acidity. Intense flavours of black currant, black tea, black pepper and vanilla extract expand on the palate. The extra dry linger finish shows wonderful notes of tea leaves, leather, spice, cocoa powder and blackberry. Pairs well with grilled steak au jus and sautéed mushrooms; beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon; rich Portobello mushroom stew; wild game; and two to three year old Canadian cheddar.

GROWING CONDITIONS
The 2009 growing season arrived late as the cold temperatures of a long winter seemed to drag on, much like 2008; the cold temperatures resulted in some reduced crops.  However, unlike the 2008 vintage, the vines did catch up so that by early summer, vine development was at its normal stages.  Summer was extremely hot and dry, which quickly advanced the ripeness of the slightly smaller than usual crop load, foretelling an early quick crush.

WINEMAKER NOTES
“For our iconic ‘Sandhill TWO’, the best lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc were chosen from Sandhill Estate Vineyard.  We believe that Cabernet Sauvignon, sometimes called the "King of Grapes", is the framework that gives structure and ageability.  The Merlot provides width and generosity in the flavour and mouth-feel.  Cabernet Franc, although the least in amount, is the most important for aroma and flavour.  The quality of our two Cabernet varieties, really determines the quality of our blend 'Sandhill TWO'.  Our goal was to create a big, ageable red that exhibits balance, complexity and length.  This masterpiece should age well over the next 4 years, into 2015."