2018 Sky Devil
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes
–Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
–Source locations: Reisacher Vineyards, Knights Valley, Sonoma, California
–Elevation: 1,600’ – 2,000’
–Exposure: Southern
–Harvest date: October 10th, 2018
–Sugar at Harvest: 26.0 degrees Brix
Wine
–Aged for 26 months in 100% new French oak
–Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Sky Devil Cabernet Sauvignon is an unapologetically bold, structured wine. There’s finesse to the nose that offers cherry, coffee bean, and cracked black pepper; the mid-body
is textured with full mouthfeel and the right amount of oak that results in flavors of toast and blackberry; the finish is firm with lengthy, evolving tannins. The barrel program for the 2018 vintage was 26 months in 100% new French oak. We bottled 392 cases unfined and unfiltered.
Great with a New York strip steak. Good to drink now; cellared properly, ages well for 20 – 25 years.
2018 Sky Devil Formation
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes
–Varietals: 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, 3% Malbec,
2% Petit Verdot
–Source locations: Knights Valley, Sonoma, California (Reisacher) / Napa Valley (Oak Knoll)
–Elevation: 1,800' / Valley Floor
Wine
–Aged for 21 months in 75% new French oak
–Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes
The 2018 Formation Cabernet Sauvignon is another standout blend made of fruit sourced from both mountain and valley floor locations. Its inviting nose is dominated by black fruit. A very well balanced midbody - with full mouthfeel - is experienced through flavors of vanilla, clove, and hints of leather. Formation's finish lasts 15 seconds, or more, and the wine's complexity really shows as it is enjoyed over a period of 90+ minutes. Aged for 21 months in 75% new French oak. 235 cases were bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Excellent to enjoy by itself; even better with a savory dish. This exuberant wine is made to last and, well cellared, will age for a decade or more (+2028).
93 Points – Wine Enthusiast
*Editor's Choice*
2017 Sky Devil
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes
–Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
–Source location: Reisacher Vineyards, Knights Valley, Sonoma, California
–Elevation: 1,600’-2,000’
–Exposure: Southern
–Harvest date: October 16th, 2017
–Sugar at Harvest: 27.9 degrees Brix
Wine
–Aged for 17 months in 100% new French oak
–Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, ultra-premium artisan wine that drinks nicely right away or cellars well for decades. The nose is soft with hints of black currant and bell pepper; mid-body is full and balanced with firm edges; finish is long (30+ seconds) with complex tannins. Barrel program for the 2017 vintage was 17 months in 100% new French oak. We bottled 243 cases unfined and unfiltered.
Pair with full-flavored dishes. Good to drink now; ages beautifully for 25 or more years.
94 Points – Wine Enthusiast
*Cellar Selection*
2017 Sky Devil
Formation
Proprietary Red
Grapes
–Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
–Source location: Knights Valley (Reisacher) / Napa Valley (Oakville)
–Elevation: 1,800' / Valley Floor
–Harvest date: October 16th, 2017 / October 6th, 2017
–Sugar at Harvest: 27.9 degrees Brix / 25.6 degrees Brix
Wine
–Aged for 28 months in 100% new French oak
–Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes
The 2017 Formation Proprietary Red is made from a powerful blend of high-end mountain and valley fruit. Formation's nose is driven by deep black cherry, dried currant, and blackberry pie. The midbody offers flavors of dried herb, tobacco, blackberry, and black stone fruit. Formation is a balanced wine throughout that ends with a nervy and complex finish. Aged for 28 months in 100% new French oak. 175 cases were bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Best with hearty dishes. Approachable enough to drink now; properly cellared, expect to enjoy this wine into its late teens or twenties (+2038).
93 Points – Wine Enthusiast
*Cellar Selection*
2016 Sky Devil
Inaugural Release
Cabernet Sauvignon
Grapes
–Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
–Source location: Reisacher Vineyards, Knights Valley, Sonoma, CA
–Elevation: 1,600’-2,000’
–Exposure: Southern
–Harvest date: September 25th, 2016
–Sugar at Harvest: 26.5 degrees Brix
Wine
–Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak
–Unfined and unfiltered
Tasting Notes
The 2016 Sky Devil Cabernet Sauvignon is truly a standout inaugural release. It offers an aromatic nose of black currant and sandalwood, a muscular mid-body with blackberry undertone and effusive tannins, and an impressively long and complex finish. This wine evolves as it opens and softens over a 2-3 hour period of enjoyment. Pair with full-flavored dishes. Good to drink now; ages beautifully for 25 or more years.