Nose
This wine entices
with aromas of cassis, blackberry tart, mocha, and black olive.
Palate
The defined and intense palate
builds in depth with flavors of moist earth, dark chocolate and hints of graphite. Bold, chewy
tannins fill the mouth and solidify the aging potential of this wine.
Growing Conditions
The 2012 growing season has been described by many as “textbook perfect”.
Temperate summer days moderated plant growth, contributing to smaller cluster and berry
size during lag phase, leading to increased concentration of flavors. An idyllic Indian summer
finished the maturation process, producing fruit with exceptional character and intensity.
Harvest
Hand-harvested, picked at night.
Bottling
Unfined and unfiltered; bottled June 2014.
Winemaking
Hand-sorted while still cold from the field
Fermented in small, closed top, stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts
6-day cold soak, 32 days total maceration
Gentle pumpovers and delestage
Aging
Aged 20 months in French Oak barrels; 100% new
Coopers: Taransaud, Darnajou, Radoux, Seguin Moreau
Appearance
Opaque with a compact ruby rim.