Our Cabernets are complex in flavor and carry distinct attributes that vary from vintage to vintage. The terroir is largely responsible for the extraordinary quality and balance of Pacheco Ranch wines. The vineyards that climb the slopes surrounding the historic Pacheco home were revived in 1970 and have been expanded since. They are planted solely to Cabernet Sauvignon vines which are “dry-farmed.”
PRW wines are uniquely hand crafted through a process that has taken over 25 years to perfect. After a full growing season, the grapes are harvested and arrive up at the winery within 20 minutes of picking. Each bunch is thoroughly inspected as the grapes are gently separated from the stems. A basket press, a rarity in today’s industry, is then used to extract the juices from the ripe skins. The wine is aged in French and American Oak barrels for 18 months before estate bottling of the wine takes place.
This entire process is overseen by our family, including head winemaker, Jamie Meves. Jamie has 25 years experience and is an award winning winemaker and judge. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from U.C. Davis (Fermentation Science), his first paying job as a winemaker was to establish Pat Paulson Winery. Even before Jamie graduated, he made our first Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon 1979, taking a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Wine Competition and Bronze at the Orange County Fair Wine Competition. Over the span of his career, Jamie has made award winning wines for some of the most prestigious wineries in California and Washington, including our own. He is definitely a "hands on" winemaker, and is constantly striving to continue our heritage of excellence.
Latest Releases...
2003 Cabernet Sauvignon
Release Date: February, 2008
Produced: 516 cases
Available: In stock [purchase]
Harvest Date: October 6, 2003
Harvest Chemistry: 24.5 brix
Bottle Date: May 19, 2006
Bottle Chemistry: 13.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes: A wine of suttle complexities, the 2003 vintage provides a delicate nose with hints of raspeberry. The smooth, velvet texture fills the pallet with all of the flavors that define Pacheco Ranch wines. This wine is ready to drink now, and is perfect for aging.
2002 Cabernet Sauvignon
Release Date: November, 2006
Produced: 516 cases
Available: In stock [purchase]
Harvest Date: October 12, 2002
Harvest Chemistry: 25.0 brix
Bottle Date: April 15, 2005
Bottle Chemistry: 13.9% alcohol
Tasting Notes: The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon has a dark burgundy color with aromas of currant and cinnamon. A medium body with ripe fruit flavors balances well with the smooth, well rounded finish.
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Release Date: June, 2005
Produced: 535 cases
Available: In stock [purchase]
Harvest Date: October 12, 2001
Harvest Chemistry: 25.2 brix
Bottle Date: April 10, 2004
Bottle Chemistry: 13.3% alcohol
Tasting Notes: A deep, dense color accompanied by soft tannins give the wine an elegant, smooth texture with a soft, velvety finish. A delicate and harmonious wine exudes cassis and toasty oak flavors with sharp undertones of blackberry and vanilla.
