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Octagon2016

55.00

Library Vintages

Octagon

A wine of highly distinctive character, achieved in blending estate-grown Bordeaux varietals, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Petit Verdot, Octagon’s great prestige rests further on its being created only in fine vintages, and with the most astute selection from the harvest. This is the highest expression of our estate’s European derivation and inspiration, crafted to be a wine of distinctive character and age worthiness in every incarnation.

 

Featured Profile

Octagon at the core

Year

2016

Cellar Life

20yrs

Suspense in its beginnings, the season closed with a superb climax. A prematurely warm March induced bud break two weeks ahead of average, and then a series of frosty April nights proved costly. As the season progressed the vines suffered additional crop losses during a rainy June. Finally, however, from early August into late September, we were able to pick beautifully ripened fruit under clear and sunny skies. The whites showed beautiful aromatics and refreshing acidity, while the reds exhibited great depth of flavor and structure for aging. Very early in bottle life, this vintage of Octagon was greeted as exceptional.

JamesSuckling.com 95 points, Top 100 American Wines, 2018
San Francisco International Competition 95 Points, Double Gold Medal
Virginia Governor's Cup Competition, 2021 Governor's Case selection
Fermentation 6-10 days on the skins in stainless steel
Maceration 15 days
Composition Merlot 46%, Cabernet Franc 38%, Petit Verdot 16%
Aging 12 months French oak barriques, new 40%, used 60%
Analysis Alcohol, 13.7%
Residual Sugars, 0.1%
Total Acidity, 0.53%

Food Pairings

Osso buco alla veneziana

Chicken braised in Octagon and black olives

Sage and walnut-crusted lamb chop in rosemary jus

Tasting Notes

Nearly opaque bright deep violet color; bright, roasted aromas and flavors of baked berries, coffee beans, and dark chocolate with an even, lively, dryish body; warming, complex marinated cherries and beets, nut skins, with chewy, dusty tannins and moderate oak. Very dry, old-world style.

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