Nose

Inviting aromas of black
cherry, plum, and anise lead to pure, ripe flavors that
continue to evolve in the glass.

Palate

The silky midpalate shows
excellent balance among the tannins, acidity, and fruit.

Growing Conditions

The El Niño influenced spring delayed the start of
the growing season and contributed to a small
crop yield. An extended Indian Summer allowed the
fruit to reach maturity with rich, complex flavors.

Harvest

Hand-harvested grapes.

Bottling

Unblended, unfined, unfiltered; bottled December 1999.

Winemaking

¨ Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel fermentors.
¨ Fermentation with indigenous yeast, 18 to 27 days to
completion
¨ Malolactic fermentation in barrels

Aging

Barrel aged 14 months, 75% new Francois Freres oak barrels.