Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)

About this wine

The 1985 Optima Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley presents a deep garnet color with slight amber hues at the rim, indicative of its maturity. On the nose, it offers aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and a touch of cedar, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco and leather. The palate reveals a harmonious blend of dark fruit flavors, including blackberry and cherry, balanced by well-integrated tannins that have softened over time. A hint of spice and earthiness adds complexity, leading to a smooth, lingering finish. This vintage reflects the excellent growing conditions of 1985, a year noted for producing wines with remarkable balance and aging potential.

About the grape

Petite Sirah, also known as Durif, is a red grape variety that originated in France in the 19th century. It was created by botanist François Durif, who crossed Syrah and Peloursin grapes. This grape is known for producing deeply colored, tannic wines with flavors of dark fruits and spices. In California, particularly in regions like Dry Creek Valley, Petite Sirah thrives due to the warm climate and diverse soils, which help develop its rich flavors and structure. Optima Winery, established in 1984, has been crafting wines from this varietal, showcasing its potential in the region.

Quick facts

• 🏠🍷 Optima Winery, founded by Mike Duffy in 1984, began with a modest production of just 400 cases made in his garage.
• 📍🍇 The winery is located in Healdsburg, California, at the heart of Sonoma County's renowned wine regions.
• 🍇🍷 Optima specializes in limited-production wines, focusing on varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah.
• 🌞🍷 The 1985 vintage in California was exceptional, characterized by a long, cool growing season that produced wines with balanced acidity and ripe fruit flavors.
• 👀🍇 Optima's commitment to quality is evident in their meticulous winemaking process, including handpicking grapes and using optical sorting to select only the best fruit.

Palate profile

Producer

Optima Winery, located in Healdsburg, California, was founded in 1984 by winemaker Mike Duffy, who began with a modest production of 400 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon crafted in his garage. Duffy's passion for winemaking was nurtured from a young age, inspired by his father's home winemaking and solidified through his studies in enology at UC Davis. Over the years, Optima has remained a family-operated venture, with Duffy's wife, Nicol, and their children actively involved in the winery's operations. The winery is renowned for its limited-production, handcrafted wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah, sourced from premium vineyards in Sonoma County.