At Wesley Ashley Wines, blending allows the vintner to create complex wines by combining the unique characteristics of their component varietals. We aim to produce wines that are approachable and easy to drink. Our 2007 Intelligent Design Cuvée is a red blend that combines California Central Coast Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut, Petite Sirah, Mouvedre and Pinot Noir. This is a full bodied red and a highly drinkable wine that pairs well with a variety of foods.
The grapes for our Intelligent Design Cuvée were sourced from the Clos La Chance Estate Central Coast vineyards. The different grape varietals were all handpicked, hand sorted and processed separately. The Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsaut were fermented in open top tanks and punched down three times a day. The Carignan and Petite Sirah underwent fermentation in closed top tanks with pump overs three times a day. All wines were inoculated with malolactic bacteria and barreled in 100% French Oak. 36% of the French Oak was new. The wines aged separately for 18 months and were then blended together and bottled unfiltered.
Winemaker Stephen Tebb
Appellation California Central Coast
Compositional Blend 51.5% Carignan, 15% Grenache, 14% Cinsaut, 11% Petite Sirah, 4.5% Mouvedre, 4% Pinot Noir
Alcohol 13.8%
ph 3.52
TA 0.61 g/100mL
Cases Produced 500