Nose
Aromas of super ripe cassis, blueberry, blackberry and fig are underscored
by worn leather, anise and shiso mint.
Palate
On the palate, the entry is rich and viscous, leading to plush, dusty tannins and
fetching flavors of dark, ripe berries, figs and chocolate. Warm baking spice balances minerality on the finish, inviting taste after
taste of this exceptionally compelling blend.
Growing Conditions
The 2010 vintage was a tale of patience. A cool, wet spring resulted in later bud break than usual. Careful vine management
helped mitigate heat spikes at the beginning of harvest. Once risk of extreme heat passed, we opened up the canopies for
greater light exposure and air flow through the vines. Warm, dry weather through mid-October resulted in timelier ripening
than expected at the growing season’s onset.
Sold out.
Bottling
It was bottled unfined and unfiltered on April 25, 2012.
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
This wine’s stunning intensity begins with its inky hue.
