2004 Cuvée St.E

The Cuvée Series was created to allow J. Lohr winemakers a chance to blend small premium lots into cuvées that represent the basic varietals grown in three different areas of Bordeaux. In this case, the Cuvée St. E showcases the varietals of the St. Emilion region on the Right Bank. The major varietal in St. Emilion is Cabernet Franc, followed by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. There are few locations in the world that can achieve such density in the Cabernet Franc grape while maintaining its varietal integrity, which surely makes it a star in this region.

VINTAGE
The 2004 harvest for Cabernet Franc, the base of the J. Lohr Cuvée St. E, was very early. This was the first year we began to deeply investigate Block 3 and how we could use thinning and pruning to manipulate the quality of the fruit. This meant cane pruning to 1.5 canes per side and doing extra-heavy thinning just prior to the completion of veraision (coloring of the berries). The results were clear, with improved color and greater general wine density. The best and perhaps most challenging aspect of making this wine is managing the varietal leafiness that is sometimes present and
the resulting abundant or extractable tannins that can sometime force its hand in fermentation. The payoff, however, is a wine with great density, undeniable varietal character and the strength to age over time.

TECHNICAL DATA

Origin:	Paso Robles AVA
Composition:	87 % Cabernet Franc, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 2% other
Total Acidity:	0.68 g/100 ml
pH at Bottling:	3.6
Alcohol:	15.13% by volume
Residual Sugar:	Dry
Vinification:	Stainless steel fermented
	Malolactic fermentation in new French oak
Maturation:	22 months in new French oak
Bottling Date:	August 2006
Production:	370 6-bottle cases

WINEMAKER'S COMMENTS
The 2004 J. Lohr Cuvée St. E has a dark ruby-red color and good density. The aroma is dominated by red currant, dark cherry, berry fruits and a slight floral element. There is an underlying hint of leafiness and spice common to the Cabernet Franc varietal. The fruit is accompanied by lovely toasty oak, which also carries a spicy component. The palate builds throughout the wine, starting with fresh currant fruit, leading to a full mid- and lingering rear-palate, boasting the chewy tannins which so often accompany this varietal in Paso Robles. Of the three blends in the J. Lohr Cuvée Series, this one lends best to cellaring. I will, however, drink mine tonight with a calzone stuffed with pork fillet, pine nuts and spinach.


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