REW 2020 Obsidian Cabernet Sauvignon

The Vintage:

2020 was a remarkable year for weather and wine in Ontario, with all winegrowing regions being treated with excellent weather conditions. Once spring arrived for good, the growing season went underway with lots of sunshine and low humidity with more rain towards the end of May. During June – July, temperatures were above average with low amounts of precipitation. August displayed similar high temperatures but also brought in a fair share of heavy, but isolated showers. Sunny and dry conditions continued throughout September – October providing ideal weather for the full and complete maturation of grapes. Overall, the quantity of grapes was down slightly, but the quality of the fruit made up for it!

Vinification:

Obsidian Cabernet Sauvignon was hand-harvested from our Heron Pond Benchland Vineyard on October 16, 2020 at 23.7⁰ Brix. The grapes were slowly dried in our custom designed Appassimento drying chamber for 80 days, concentrating the grapes natural flavor, and sugar by reducing the juice volume by 35% and increasing the sugar to 29.6⁰ Brix. The dehydrated grapes were fermented over a period of 2 weeks and then aged in French oak barrels (50% new)  for 25 months.

Impressions:

Obsidian is a unique expression of Niagara Cabernet Sauvignon, a highly structured, yet balanced wine that can age for a decade or more. This wine displays a robust nose with aromas of blackberry, dried figs, and cassis, with underlying notes of espresso, graphite, nutmeg, allspice and clove. The rich palate showcases deep flavors highlighted by toasted vanilla, and charred oak. The wine’s mouthfeel is dense, well structured, with a lengthy finish.   

Alcohol: 17.0% alc/vol

Appellation: VQA Beamsville Bench VQA

Residual Sugar: 4.1g/L

Cases Produced: 57 cases