The 2018 Homestead represents the extraordinary granitic and limestone terroir of the Gabilan Mountains where we sourced the majority of the fruit. 90+ year old, dry farmed Carignan from the Cienega Valley provides the backbone of this wine. Our Certified Organic Estate vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Coastview Vineyard in the Gabilan Mountains were the sources for the Grenache and Syrah. The Mourvedre was sourced from the old vine Rodnick Farm Vineyard in Chalone.
The unique blend of our 2018 Homestead offers a wine that is both compelling and ponderable. All of our small lot fermentations see the same love and attention. It is our overriding goal to produce wines that are true to the great vineyard sites we work with. Nearly all of the lots were fermented with 100% whole clusters with a basket press used to gently press the wine. The dominant percentage of Carignan expresses itself on the nose and palate with intense black fruit, while the other varietals add layers of wild berry complexity and hints of roasted herbs. On the palate the wine is lively and palate coating with nice fine grained, chewy tannins. The moderate alcohol level and good acidity make this a great food wine and one that is likely to age exceptionally well.