The 2001 Rudd Oakville Estate is the second vintage from our newly replanted vineyard at the corner of Oakville Crossroad and Silverado Trail. Our vineyard is planted in rocky, red volcanic soils at the foot of the Vaca Mountains using high density planting and low vigor rootstock to encourage the vines to produce smaller, highly concentrated berries. The 2001 was made primarily from Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, a Bordeaux clone that has proven very successful in our Oakville terroir. The 2001 growing season began a week earlier than normal but was back on track by early September. Warm-to-hot weather during bloom resulted in a short flowering period that promoted even ripening with slightly below average crop levels. Harvest began on September 4 and was completed on October 13. The weather during harvest was dry and generally moderate except for two brief heat spikes, allowing for more than sufficient hang time. As a result, the wine has concentrated fruit and mineral aromatics with a deep, complex mid-palate and a long, well-integrated finish. After 15 to 22 days on the skins, the wine was pressed and barreled immediately. It was fined in barrel with fresh egg whites and bottled unfiltered in June 2003.