Palate
Bringing the proverbial iron fist, velvet glove that we seek in our wines, 2014 Block B is big but refined. Chock full of chalky tannins, blackberry, huckleberry and black currant fruit, rock-licking minerality and Paderewski’s signature earthy brine / white flower combo, this wine is Syrah from head to toe, entry to finish, first sniff to hours of decant. Watch this youngster age, and you will be wowed by the gifts of patience.
Growing Conditions
Parentage: 100% Paderewski Vineyard
Ethnicity: 100% Syrah, clone 174
Paderewski Vineyard:
Travel just west of Paso Robles, and you will find Paderewski Vineyard: 67 acres of undulating, steep, limestone rich hillsides within 570 rural, spring-fed acres. In the early 1900’s, this vineyard was cherished and farmed by world-renowned pianist, Polish diplomat, and vintner, Ignacy Jan Paderewski. Fast forward a century, and this property stood forgotten and fallow. Lucky for us, in 2004, we became the stewards of this amazing piece of property.
Planted: 2004 Acreage: 95 under vine, 570 total Soils: limestone, calcareous, rocky pH: low to mid 8 AVA: Paso Robles District: Willow Creek Red Varietals: Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel White Varietals: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, and Viognier
Bottling
Graduation: Bottled May 16, 2016 | Debut: Released Fall 2017
Winemaking
Rearing: Fermented 40% whole cluster in stainless steel tank and new ½-ton French oak puncheons
Aging
Aged 18 months in new French oak barrels and puncheons (61% new)