Growing grapes is our passion…and having a growing season with few ups and downs keeps our blood pressure low! This 2016 season came with an early bud break, followed by some typical Spring showers, not interfering with fruit set in May and early June. The consistent weather with fewer than normal hot spells during Summer produced even ripening with great color development. August was cooler than normal allowing great hang time before harvest. We were able to harvest all of our fruit carefully…even with the season presenting several varieties ripening at the same time! Daily tasting evaluations of our wine in our fermentation tanks were consistently flavorful, giving an insight into the great wines with pure flavors!
Our winemaking protocol demands separate small carefully temperature regulated fermentations for each varietal providing optimum treatment for each Cabernet clone as well as for our Malbec and Petit Verdot. These wines are carefully pressed direct to barrel and are aged separately until rigorous blending trials the Spring before Summer bottling. Each individual barrel is tasted for uniqueness and provides an essential blend diversity that typifies our wines as well as an exceptional 22 month aging period.
Subtle aromas of luscious blackberry merge with gentle oak notes laced with hints of mocha. The bright entry offers expressive flavors of black raspberry, cherry, and plum infused with traces of spicy cedar, creamy coffee, and dark chocolate. As the fruit marries with mid-palate tannins, the wine reveals its depth and complexity, lingering into a finish woven with rich Dutch cocoa. So delicious paired with coffee-rubbed rib eyes, or braised lamb shanks with gremolata and baked polenta.