Nose
The nose
displays deep, seductive aromas of jammy, ripe wild
blueberries and huckleberries.
Palate
Focused and concentrated
black fruit flavors are interwoven with subtle spice and
earth notes. Its time-honored polished and smooth tannins are
sweet and full-bodied and followed by a sublimely persistent
and poised finish.
Growing Conditions
The growing season was comprised of cool spring
weather followed by moderate temperatures
throughout summer. Consistent work in the
vineyard was required to maximize sun exposure and
encourage full flavor development in the fruit.
Much needed hot weather in mid-September secured
an excellent harvest.
Harvest
Hand-harvested grapes.
Bottling
Unblended, unfined and unfiltered; Bottled July 2005.
Winemaking
¨ Fermented in 5-ton closed-top stainless steel fermentors with
indigenous yeasts
¨ 5-day cold soak, 32 days total maceration
¨ Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in barrels; 4 months to
completion
Aging
Aged 21 months French oak barrels; 82% new.
Appearance
This vintage boasts a dense black/purple inky color.