Palate
We characterize the 2011 Proprietary Red as a Bordeaux-lover’s vintage: silky, smooth and
complex, with a striking balance of power and natural acidity. Captivating flavors of rich black cherry, ripe raspberry, and vivid
orange peel deepen into fragrant earth, aged leather, sweet rosemary and Dutch cocoa. The enduring finish is silky, with
fine-grained tannins and layered ribbons of espresso and slate.
Growing Conditions
Abundant winter rainfall, a cool spring, late bud break and surprise hail in June, made for a challenging 2011 growing season.
Rocky soils and sloping terrains kept our ridge-top vineyards well-drained so while yields were low, fruit was exceptionally
balanced and concentrated. Intensive berry-by-berry sorting further ensured optimal quality.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered on June 20, 2013.
Winemaking
The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way to tank. After four
to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermentors, the fruit began 100% native yeast fermentation.
Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations.
Aging
The wine continued to age in 85% new French oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen
months.
Appearance
Brooding dark purple color.
