Cougar III

The 2014 Growing season started perfectly, with an extended dry blooming period and ideal temperatures. The year was drier than normal and much warmer than normal from April through the first few weeks of October. These perfect growing conditions led to what our vineyard manager, called shock and awe. “First the winemaker was in shock because the quantity was between 10 and 20 percent higher than cluster counts predicted, then everyone was in awe because the quality was very, very good.” Over- all, this trend repeated itself through all our vineyards. The two exceptions were Les Collines and Bergevin Springs Vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon came in on our tonnage target and the quality is spectacular. The Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon came in on target at Bergevin Springs Vineyard and the vineyard is giving hints to an earthy character that is quite unique. The Merlot from Bergevin Springs Vineyard came in above expected quantity but shows the dark fruit and that earthy character found elsewhere in the vineyard. The only down side to this vintage was that the workload was as intense and concentrated as the wines. Our facility was bulging at the seams.