2020 Tyler Winery Cabernet Sauvignon "Happy Canyon", Santa Barbara County, Calirfornia, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Happy Canyon RSW comes from head-trained vines planted in the 1990s. Dark, sensual and super-expressive. Justin Willett does a terrific job in crafting a Cabernet that is fresh yet deep, while avoiding the assertive vegetal qualities that can at times be overpowering in Happy Canyon Cabernets. Dark cherry, plum, mocha and savory herbs all build effortlessly in the glass. This classy Cabernet hits all the right notes.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

A son of Santa Barbara, Justin Tyler Willett began Tyler in 2005 at the age of 24 with a few barrels tucked away in the corner of the Sta. Rita Hills cellar he was working in at the time. It was there, as the assistant winemaker, he honed his approach to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Justin – a champion of old vines – has since engaged the famed historic vineyards of Santa Barbara, including the region-defining Sanford & Benedict, in the Santa Rita Hills. With a firm belief that winemaking starts in the vineyard and the sincere desire to have minimal impact on the environment, grapes are farmed organically, handpicked at night, and sorted by hand at the winery. In the cellar, all lots are fermented using native yeast in large oak vats, and once dry the wines are put down to barrel for their elevage. The use of new oak varies by vineyard, vine age, and vintage and is used in a way that only complements, never overshadowing the wine. After a year or so in barrel, the wines are racked, blended, and returned to the barrel for a few additional months before being bottled, typically unfined and unfiltered.