2020 Exclamation Cabernet Sauvignon

2020 was a vintage for the ages (in more ways than one). The spring started off unseasonably warm and just got hotter as summer came. There was little rainfall and extended periods of perfect growing weather. In the fall the season was extended by warm weather right until the end of October. Look for some of the best wines Niagara has ever produced from this vintage.

Straight out of the gate, this is easily among the most impressive Cabernet Sauvignon’s Pillitteri has ever had the chance to produce. This grape ripens later than most others and can struggle to reach optimal ripeness in shorter growing seasons. 2020 could not have been any more different, the season was much longer and warmer than average which allowed us to make an epic Cabernet Sauvignon. It pours a very deep ruby colour and is jam packed with ripeness and intensity. On the nose, its brimming with black cherry, blackberry jam, black plum, blueberry, eucalyptus, baking spice, cedar, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The palate is full bodied, dense, and much richer than usual compared to most Niagara red wines. It still has great acidity and a smooth texture that helps to balance it out and brings out a lot of ripe fruit characteristics. This helps keep this larger-than-life wine accessible and appealing to a wide range of wine drinkers. As amazing as it is already upon release, it will definitely reward extensive cellaring with even more complex aromas and an even smoother palate. This is the wine you stock up on now and forget about for at least a few years.

Food Pairing:
Beef brisket
Pepper crusted steak
Pork belly
Eggplant parmesan
Bacon wrapped dates
Charcuterie
Aged cheeses

Technical Information:

Appellation: VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Oak Aging: 24 months French Oak

Alcohol: 14% ABV

Residual Sugar: 1.3g/L

Cellar capacity: Now till 2030+