Tasting Notes

Vivid violet in color, ripe raspberry, cedar, clay, smoke, peat, and fresh roasted coffee drift from the bowl. Youthful red fruit flavors, juniper berry, espresso and a mineral element are seamlessly balanced with powdery-dry tannins and lively acidity. A massive wine that will require some cellaring before blossoming into a beautiful wine. Those with patience and cellar space will truly be rewarded in 3 to 5 years.

Vineyard Notes

The Alder Springs Vineyard is located 12 miles west of the Pacific Ocean, overlooking the town of Laytonville in the center of Mendocino County. The fruit for the Spell wines comes from three distinct blocks located at an elevation between 1700 to 1900 feet on a Southeastern facing slope. 3 Tiers, which makes up the majority of the blend, is planted to Dijon clone 459 and heritage clones of DRC and Calera. The Upper West Vineyard is planted to Dijon clones 667 and 777 and the Upper Vineyard is planted to Dijon clones 115, 667, and 777. The low-vigor, volcanic-based soils produce wines of distinctive old world character.