Cabernet Sauvignon Late Harvest 2016 - Four Friends, Bulgaria

The Vineyards

This wine comes from our own vineyards in Gorno Botevo, near Stara Zagora in the Thracian Lowland. Planted in 2005 and fully farmed organically since 2015. The clay-rich soils with excellent drainage, combined with the sunny continental climate, produce grapes of exceptional power, color, and concentration. The harvest took place on 23 November 2016, when the grapes had reached full ripeness and concentrated sugars, typical of the late harvest style.

The Vinification

Fermentation was cared out in stainless steel tanks, preceded by a cold maceration of 5–7 days. This was followed by a fermentation of about 10 days and a post-fermentative maceration of 7–12 days to extract additional color and flavor from the skins and stems. The wine then underwent malolactic fermentation and was aged for 8 years in older, used oak barrels.

Our Tasting Notes

The color is beautifully developed: still deep dark ruby with brown highlights. The nose is complex, with primary fruit aromas complemented by notes of leather, coffee, and smoked vanilla from the extended oak aging. During bottle maturation, tertiary aromas have developed, including jam, dried figs, herbs, and spices. On the palate, the wine is silky smooth and perfectly balanced, with elegant structure and ripe tannins. The finish is long, soft, and dry.

Winemaker: Four Friends winery