The El Dorado Terroir has many of these classic conditions for growing great Cabernet Sauvignon in common with Napa's mountain districts. This fact compelled us to try to set a new benchmark for the varietal in the Sierra. We embarked on a search to locate growers that shared our intention to make a world class Cab from El Dorado. Our quest for Cabernet eventually brought us to the beautiful 2,500' elevation Duarte-Georgetown vineyard.

Our commitment to quality began in the vineyard by developing a working relationship with the grower.  We negotiated to pay more for the fruit contingent on certain vineyard practices being employed and parameters being met. We selected Cabernet Sauvignon clones 6, 7 and 337 and Petit Verdot and Malbec. Next the wine was crushed. The various clones were cold soaked, co-fermented, and then aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. The packaging in heavy glass bottles, imprinted corks and unique screened label all convey an image of quality.

The resulting wine is a beautifully magnificent and intense California Cabernet Sauvignon. The persistent praise by who've tried the wine is that it doesn't taste like any Foothill Cabernet they've had and its quality definitely exceeds expectations. Our hunch about El Dorado Cabernet has proven to be correct. Grow the best fruit you can and set out with intention to make the best quality possible and the wine will speak for itself.

Tech/Tasting Notes 2005 Bumgarner Cabernet Sauvignon