Palate
With black cherry and red currant fruit upfront, more savory notes of leather, dusty tobacco leaf, roasted coffee and smoked tea with mineral textures are revealed as the mid-palate unfolds. This wine walks the line between power and balance with chewy tannins surrounding the bold mix of flavors.
Growing Conditions
Located on the east side of the Santa Lucia Range overlooking the Salinas River Valley, the Santa Lucia Highlands continues to be an exciting appellation to work with here at Landmark. This region experiences a very long growing season due to early bud break and the subsequently mild summer and dry fall. The high elevation of the east-facing vineyards is exposed to great morning sun before fog and cool air are funneled in on maritime breezes of Monterey Bay. This afternoon coolness slows down the ripening process resulting in a long maturation time, allowing full ripeness to be achieved.
Bottling
Bottled unfined August 2016.
Winemaking
The fruit was hand-sorted before being destemmed into small fermenters. The fermenting fruit was gently punched down twice a day until dry. Once dry, the tanks were drained and the skins were lightly pressed in a small basket press.
Aging
The wine was then placed in French oak (35% new) barrels, where it aged for 10 months before being bottled un-fined.
Food Pairing
Grilled octopus with roasted potatoes, honey-lacquered duck with grilled radicchio, rabbit sago.
