Palate
Complex with a noticeable precision of flavors and textures as the wine unfolds on the palate. It shows full fruit of black cherry, plum and blueberry on the entry along with sweet barrel spice. The mid-palate evolves with more savory flavors of roasted coffee, cocoa and tobacco. A hint of black olive leads to a crisp finish showing returning fruit and spice with minty accents and firm elegant tannins that are perfectly balanced.
Growing Conditions
Overlooking the Salinas River Valley from the east side of the Santa Lucia Range, the Escolle Road Vineyard is an exciting fruit source to work with here at Landmark. With a longterm commitment to growing exceptional wine grapes, the fourth generation of the Caraccioli family has joined the Landmark founders in this venture. The high elevation means the east-facing vineyards are exposed to great morning sun before fog and cool air are funneled in on the maritime breezes of Monterey Bay. The Santa Lucia Highlands region experiences a very long growing season due to early bud break and subsequent cool summer and dry fall. The cool afternoon temperature slows down the ripening process, resulting in a long maturation time and allowing full ripeness to be achieved.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2016.
Winemaking
Each block was partially destemmed (92%) into one-ton fermenters and cold-soaked for five days. During fermentation, each fermenter was hand-punched twice a day. At dryness, each clonal block was separately barreled down
Aging
Aged for ten months in French oak barrels (35% new) without racking.
Food Pairing
Coffee-rubbed roasted pork tenderloin, roasted duck breast with pomegranate and adobo chili sauce.
