Dynamite Vineyards www.dynamitevineyards.com

Dynamite specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Beginning with the 2000 vintage we added Sauvignon Blanc from Kelsey Creek in Lake County. Our Cabernet Sauvignon is predominantly grown in the Red Hills Lake County appellation and most of our Merlot comes from Mendocino County.

Strong relationships between our growers and our winemaker ensure the highest quality fruit is at its peak of ripeness. Our winemaker frequently visits the vineyards to meet with growers, examine the vines and taste the fruit to determine the best time to pick. This interaction is a key factor in maintaining the consistent quality of Dynamite wines.
 

We select our Cabernet Sauvignon primarily from the Red Hills Lake County appellation with a smaller amount of grapes coming from hillside sites in the North Coast winegrowing counties of Sonoma, Napa, Mendocino and Lake.
We fermented our Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in small batches for maximum color, aroma and flavor extraction. After fermentation, the wines were aged in small oak barrels-35 percent new-for 15 months, further enhancing the varietal fruit characters, tannin structure and roundness. For this vintage, we included 22 percent Merlot to soften the tannins somewhat, plus 1 percent each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot for added spice and structure.

The 2002 Dynamite Cabernet Sauvignon shows rich black currant, blackberry and plum aromas with mocha and toast nuances, leading to flavors of concentrated black fruits and dark chocolate supplemented by ripe, sweet tannins on the long finish.

Racy red fruit mingles with fresh-cut tobacco aromas. Medium-bodied with concentrated black currant and chocolate flavors, with touches of dried fruit character and smoky tannins on the lingering finish.