Nefer III 19
History says that III NFR is for the gods and the pharoahs only. However, we made it for you. 100% Cab. 100% New French Oak. 100% time to sit back and enjoy.
2019 OBELISCO III Nefer Cabernet Sauvignon
AVA: Red Mountain
Winemakers: Ken Abbott
Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Vineyards: 100% Obelisco
Barrels: 100% new oak; 100% French
Tasting Notes: Deep, dark purple, almost black color. The first nose on this wine is so rich with dark fruit, it immediately relaxes you into images of dark cherry cola, blackberries and your favorite childhood boysenberry jam. The nose releases subtle spices like vanilla, cinnamon and rosemary too. On the palate this wine washes your mouth with those same dark fruits with enough dryness from the toasted oak to make your mouth scream for more. The wine is full, and rich and the fruit and spice trade spaces as they dance across your taste buds The mouth feel is all encompassing while your taste buds try to figure out why dark fruits feel like butter. The tannins and fruit are extremely balanced. It is a brooding and powerful example of Red Mountain Cabernet.
Cellaring: Because it is made from 50% Red Mountain Cabernet heavy press wine this wine should age well for the next 10-12 years. Because it is Obelisco fruit, it is surprisingly soft and inviting now for 100% press wine. This wine can age longer, but with the density of the vineyard, 95% of the aging benefit is achieved in less than 10 years so why wait?
Production: All the fruit for this wine is from Obelisco Vineyard. The high density planting yields smaller berries, which contribute to the concentrated flavors. This is 100% press wine fraction, which explains the concentration, depth, dark color and more structured tannins. Combine this with 20 months in 100% new French Oak and you get a wine that invitingly combines great fruit and oak.
Harvest notes: 2019 was another hot year in the vineyard, but the early set of the vines led to an easy and good yield. Rather than worrying about yield like some years, we actually, trimmed back some of the fruit on the vineyard to make sure concentrations were good. The sugars and flavors seemed to develop at an even rate making the picking decisions easier for our team. There was enough coolness in the evenings of the Fall to give us some extra hang time without the chemistry changing too much.
| Vintage | 2019 |
| Varietal | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Cab |
| Appellation | Red Mountain |
| Vineyard | Obelisco Estate |
| Designation | Obelisco Estate |
| Harvest Date | 10/02/2019 |
| Alcohol | 14.80% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 08/09/2021 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | Washington |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Obelisco Estates Vineyard - Red Mountain
Characteristics
- Elevation: 762-871 feet
- Acres: 30
- Scooteney silt loam
- Warden silt loam
The main 30 acre vineyard, designed and planted for the sole purpose of producing intensely complex, elegant and rich red wines, is located on the southwest facing slope bathed in sunlight throughout long daylight hours, with cool nights and the moderating effect of the Yakima River below. Obelisco Estate vineyard is perfectly situated to grow world class grapes noted for their structure, acidity and intense varietal character. The vineyard is one of the most intensely planted vineyards in the Northwest.
The vineyard is located in the Red Mountain terrior which is known for some of the best growing conditions for Bordeaux varietals in North America. The unusual soil depths and ideal cumulative maturation time are un-matched in Washington.
Ken Abbott
As the GM, I carry on the family tradition of producing wine at Obelisco with my Aunt Betsy and as a steward of the family’s style of wines. In honor of Doug who was the founder with Betsy, I and my amazing team at Obelisco carry on the love to help people “Celebrate Life.”
As the winemaker, it is important to carry on the tradition that was impressed upon me by my uncle. We strive to make intense varietals that stand out with their characteristics and don't let you forget that you are drinking a premium wine.
Wine that is big with lots of flavor, yet with approachable elegance, is the goal. I am always looking for ways to improve while staying within the family style that we love. Incremental adjustments each year to maintain the quality have become the norm. We have to be a little inconsistent in our methodology every year, since the harvest is different every year. This way we can keep our wines strung together in the style that we love.
Hope Nastri
“I’m surprised it took me so long to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, since I lived so long surrounded by vineyards and wineries,” Hope says.
The New York-born winemaker lived most of her life in Eastern Washington. The former high school math teacher and stockbroker started in the labs at Washington wineries Artifex and Goose Ridge Cellars before working her way into enologist and assistant winemaker roles at The Walls.
Hope has a fantastic palate and understood Obelisco's vision for making the best wine that we can possibly make while bringing out the characteristics of one of the best vineyards planted in Washington.
