CWD: 2013 Ghostwriter Cabernet Bates Ranch

V

VLM

VLM
An early love of mine were the Bates Ranch cabernets of SCMV in all their crazy, rustic glory. The Ghostwriter version is another beast, much more svelte. Not Diego Costa, more Cristiano Ronaldo. The mouthfeel is silky and the tannin on the back end slowly build but never become monstrous. Plenty of acidity to keep everything together, but it is still a plush wine with decidedly cabernet aromas and flavors. Alcohol is a quite pleasant 13.3% and in some ways it reminds me of Lynch Bages from a vintage like 1989. The nose isn't multi-dimensional yet, but I'm struck by the bones and the nice hint of rocky minerality on the finish. I think I'll lay down 6-12 of these. I'm really curious to see where it goes from here.

Kenny just recently got his hands of these vines. The wine is from the top of the Bates Ranch vineyard, once sourced by Ahlgren. He's not sure how long he'll be able to keep them, you've been warned.
 
originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
I was going to ask, until I read your last part. But I'll still ask—is this the first non-Pinot red from Ghostwriter?
Click to expand...

Yes, but I also tasted an excellent syrah when we were out there that is from Santa Cruz so it should be Ghostwriter as well. I want to say it was from Aptos Creek, but can't remember exactly.
 
I still have some old TM Bates knocking around in the cellar. Time to check on whether it is still with us.
 
originally posted by Dan McQ:
I still have some old TM Bates knocking around in the cellar. Time to check on whether it is still with us.
Click to expand...

I think that fruit was from a different part of Bates, but am not 100% sure. Please do check in and let us know.

IIRC, Kenny's parcel is from the top of the hill and is diseased. They wanted to replant it and probably will.
 
Nathan, If I recall correctly, Ken Burnap used to make some great Cabernet Sauvignons sourced from Bates Ranch. I can't recall if SCMV (under Jeff) still has access to fruit from there.

. . . . . Pete
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top