Z Alexander Brown 14Cab Tastingnotes

U NCAGED

C ABERNET SAUVINGON 2 0 14 • NORTH COAST

The owl is a guardian of the vine, and myths say it is present when the spirit is set free. A powerful symbol, the owl carries meaning on many levels for Zac Brown, a GRAMMY Award-winning artist whose creative spirit knows no boundaries.

Inspired by homegrown values and a lifelong connection to the land, Zac’s passion for bringing music, food and people together ignited a natural gateway to wine – and a freedom to create. Bold and uncaged, Z. Alexander Brown unleashes a new palate-provoking wine rooted in the heart of California wine country.

WINEMAKER’S NOTE

Z. Alexander Brown Cabernet Sauvignon unfolds with rich aromas of blackberry, plum and baking spice. Bold tannins frame a powerful mid-palate layered with mouth-filling red fruit flavors of Bing cherry and subtle hints of vanilla and black pepper. Smooth and balanced, an elegant finesse defines the long and lingering finish. – Winemaker, John Killebrew

VINTAGE

In 2014, California’s North Coast experienced its third straight year of outstanding quality. The winter months were recorded as some of the driest in recent years, but light rain showers in early spring provided a sturdy foundation for an ideal bud break and fruit set. Warm and rain-free, the dry conditions throughout the rest of the growing season produced smaller berries than usual, resulting in concentrated flavors, bright aromatics and structured tannins for the 2014 vintage.

WINEMAKING

Throughout the growing season, winemaker John Killebrew visited each vineyard block regularly. The fruit for Z. Alexander Brown was harvested during the cool early morning hours to ensure that the concentrated fruit flavors were captured at the peak of ripeness. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed, moved into stainless steel tanks and slowly warmed to fermentation temperatures. Following the completion of primary and malolactic fermentation, the wine was drained and gently pressed onto a selection of French and American oak. The final blend for this boldly flavored wine was thoughtfully crafted by John and Zac as a result of multiple hands-on tastings and blending sessions featuring a selection of the best lots of the vintage. TECHNICAL DATA Appellation: North Coast Total Acid: 0.59 g/100ml Alcohol: 14.0% by volume Zac Brown, proprietor John Killebrew, winemaker Final pH: 3.64