Palate

Once the wine’s tannins had softened and flavors concentrated. Now, after almost one year in bottle, it is time to share our demanding yet mind-opening 100% Reserva Tempranillo. Two winemaking worlds collide in this striking wine, which seesaws between the old and the new.

Growing Conditions

Paderewski Vineyard, Paso Robles

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

Winemaking

The six barrels of 2009 Tempranillo that comprise our Reserva Tempranillo have always felt extremely connected to their Spanish roots. Since its inception, this wine insisted on being left alone, begging for extended barrel aging in the traditional Rioja ‘reserva’ style. We followed orders and, except for monthly topping, did not touch these barrels for three years.

Aging

Aged for 35 months in 75% new French oak