TASTING NOTES:
The 2011 vintage brought hints of sweet and savory herbs layered over aromas of blackberries and red fruits. Still evolving, the Astral offers a mouth filling plush texture with structured tannins and a long finish. We expect this wine to age well and long.

WINEMAKER NOTES:
As vintages pass and we make our selection of exceptional lots for Astral, we find ourselves continually comping back to own-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon vines and hillside fruit. 2011 is no exception. These lots demonstrate an ability to develop great texture with extended time on skins and integrate the sweetness of new oak quite well. Cabernet Franc, excellent in 2011, was an addition to bring layers of complexity like anise flavor and tense structure. 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 2% Syrah

VINTAGE NOTES:
2011 started with cool temperatures that persisted into early summer and set the stage for a late season. With ripening pushed later into Fall than is typical, we were thankful for the consistent heat and lack of rain in October that allowed for full, if elegant level of ripeness. The vintage exhibited how Star Lane’s unique terrior can promote balanced, complex fruit in cool as well as warm years.