2021 Héroe Cabernet Sauvignon
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is from Frankel Vineyard’s “Puerta Electrica” block in the El Pomar district of Paso Robles. The aromas are plentiful in their charm, with notes of black-cherry, raisin, plum, currant, and herbal tea. The classic red fruit characteristics are balanced nicely with mineral earthy notes. Green olive and dill bouquets lead the way to a tannic and puckering finish. The wine feels polished in the mouth, while rich notes of dark coffee and smoked cedar, derived from the new barrels, fill the palate. It's a delightful Cabernet, ageable, yet tasting great right now. Best during the years of 2023-2028.
The grapes were harvested overnight and delivered to the winery at daybreak. The fruit was not crushed, simply destemmed and settled. The grape must was kept at 45 degrees for 2 days before the inclusion of yeast strain ICV-D254, a yeast selected for its inherit ability to bring forth dark fruit notes, increased mid-palate structure, integrated tannic feel and capturing opaque and rich color from the juice. From fermentation, and pressing to settling, the wine spent a total of 3 months in stainless steel before racking into oak barrels. In total the wine was aged for ten months in sixty-two 240L size American Oak Barrels, with twelve barrels being brand new. This unique size barrel allows for the perfect amount of oxidation in a short time period. The barrels were thin-staved and extra-fine grain selected, allowing for gentle and balanced abstraction of the wine into the wood. The barrel toast ranges from medium, medium plus and heavy toasted barrels. The wine does not taste over oaked at all, but has an expression of coconut, vanilla, smoked cedar and bacon. The wine was racked out of barrel into tank, lightly filtered and bottled in late August 2022.
| Download Wine Notes |
| Vintage | 2021 |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Appellation | Paso Robles |
| Vineyard | Frankel Family Estate |
| Acid | 0.70 g/100 ml |
| PH | 3.67 |
| Residual Sugar | 0.75 g/100 ml |
| Alcohol | 13.60% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 12/01/2023 |
| Cases Produced | 1560 |
Héroe Cabernet Sauvignon, the best-selling of the Héroe line-up of wines, features robust red fruit flavors, coupled with balanced acidity, smooth tannins and a lingering finish. The vineyard is situated in a valley flanked by the “Huero-Huero” river to the east and backs up to the crest of a slow rolling hill to the west. The vines are now a remarkable 26 years old and produce low yields with consistent taste, flavor and predictable well-suited character. The vines are hand pruned, leaving behind a blend of canes and new spurs positioned on the trellis. The resulting grapes are hung on tiny clusters with thick skins, making for intense style and flavor. The vineyard features three distinct soils, San Ysidro Loam, Arbuckle – Positas, and Arbuckle – San Ysidro. The blend of three unique soil types greatly adds to the complexity of the wine. Héroe wines are produced to honor the unsung heroes in our vineyard and winery. Lugardo “Uga” Zatarian, is featured on the front label.
