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In the Southeast corner of the Stags Leap District, the vineyards of the 5500 Estate are located on the site of what was once a rock quarry. There is little topsoil and the vines grow from shattered rhyolitic tuff, a type of rock consisting of consolidated volcanic ash. These steep terraced hillsides planted in 1986 are exceptionally well drained and the Cabernet Sauvignon vines produce small, intensely flavored berries. Between 150-300 feet in elevation the vineyards enjoy cool foggy mornings, but with a western exposition, there is sunshine long into the evening. The site’s particular formulation of soil, temperature, fog, and sunshine results in a wine that has the unique quality of being massively scaled but surprising approachable in texture.