In the vineyard, we continually seek to deepen our understanding of the intricacies of our land in order to capture its expression most faithfully.That knowledge comes with time, but also with a certain intimacy rooted in the love of a place. In 2015 we invited our vineyard crew and their families to live on the property year-round, to share the bond we feel with the land and make it their home. This has yielded a mutual commitment and deep connection to this mountain estate which is at once nature, farm and home. 2015 was the last in a series of drought years in California, which may have set the stage for a low yielding vintage. An unusually cool spring, particularly in the mountains, made for uneven berry set, leading to very loose clusters and the smallest harvest since the inception of the vineyard. Fortunately, optimal harvest weather meant that what little crop we had to work with made it to the winery in perfect condition. The mountain immediately begins to reveal its many layers through the rich aromas of red fruit, a mix of dried and fresh herbs and graphite. The barrel influence is a subtle backdrop to the layers of fresh forest floor, wet stone and black currant. Red plum and fresh blackberry fill the mouth leading to the rich and classical structure. The wine's refined texture and elegant tannins belie its youth. Approachable now, the 2015 Cornell Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon will age with grace and will continue to reveal its layers for many years to come.