Nose

Its black crimson hues are resplendent with aromas
of blackberry, red currant and graphite.   

Palate

The palate is silky and graceful, yet powerfully
charged with intense, finely sculpted layers of crème de cassis, bittersweet cocoa and cedar.  
The mid‐palate confirms the wine's breadth with a surprising lift brought on by very subtle
notes of yeasty bread and vanillin, in a crescendo toward an endless finish graced with firm,
stately tannins. 

Growing Conditions

2008 began with an exceptionally dry spring and early budbreak.  Frosts in
April significantly lowered cluster counts. Weather stabilized and warmed through summer,
with warmer temperatures continuing through harvest.  A smaller crop of high quality fruit
ripened fully and evenly, developing an excellent balance of sugars and acid.   Overall, the
2008 wines are bright and expressive with well‐articulated flavors.

Harvest

Hand‐harvested grapes.

Bottling

Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; bottled June 2010.

Winemaking

 Fermented in small, closed‐top stainless steel fermentors with indigenous yeasts
 6‐day cold soak, 34 days total maceration  
 Native malolactic fermentation in barrels 

Aging

Aged 20 months exclusively in Taransaud French oak barrels; 100% new.