About Fogarty
Few wine regions on earth can match Santa Cruz Mountains’ climates, soils and vertigo-inspiring views. Set high in the mountains overlooking California’s Silicon Valley, the Thomas Fogarty winery has been making single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet from the SCM appellation since 1981. Fogarty’s two estates are divided into micro-vineyards, ranging from .25 to 5.25 acres, based on soil and topography. All are maritime (12-18 miles to Pacific), cool-climate (Regions I and II), high-elevation (1600-2300 feet), low yielding (1-3 tons per acre) and mountainous. The winery was founded by Dr. Thomas Fogarty, a Stanford cardiovascular surgeon and world-renowned inventor.
Vintage
The 2003 vintage required a lot of work on our part, but in the end it was remarkably successful, especially for Bordeaux varieties. All of our fruit reached flavor and phenolic development at much lower sugars than in past vintages resulting in wines with great structure and slightly lower alcohol levels.
Vineyards
This 2003 Lexington came entirely from the Camel Hill Vineyard above the Lexington Reservoir in Los Gatos. Owned by John Anderson, the vineyard is perched on a complex series of hillsides featuring a wide array of exposures and soil types. Due to the firm structure of many lots in ’03, we decided to incorporate a large portion of Merlot to soften the tannins and fatten the middle. We also added some Cabernet Franc to the blend for its vivid aromatics of violets, black spice and blueberry fruit. The final cépage is 50% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Cabernet Franc. Though not well known, ‘Franc’ does fantastically well on this site contributing vivid aromatics of violets, black spice and blueberry fruit.
Winemaking
We hand harvest in the early morning to ensure cool grapes. The fruit was immediately de-stemmed and placed in open top bins for cold-soak and fermentation. The wine was aged for 20 months in 40% new French and American Oak and bottled unfiltered.
Tasting Notes
The dark color sets the stage for an intense wine offering intriguing flavors and wonderful structure. The nose is direct and laser-like with cassis, leather, plums and earth. The palate is strong and rich. The finish is tight and long. This is a wine that clearly shows its SCM roots.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Appellation
Santa Cruz Mountains
WINEMAKER
Michael Martella
VINEYARDS
100% Camel Hill Vineyard
COMPOSITION: 50% Merlot, 43% Cab. Sauvignon
7% Cabernet Franc
Finished alcohol: 14.8% ABV
Acid/pH: .65/3.66
Oak treatment: 40% New French and American Oak
20 Months
Total production: 416 cases
Release date: October 15, 2007
California suggested retail: $45.00
