Nose
Fragrant with bold, ripe red berries, cassis, red licorice and sage.
Palate
Texturally, it is weighty and muscular, from its assertive entry through to the finish, where
well‐delineated fruit flavors harmonize with leather, toasted vanilla bean and ripe tannins
that permeate the finish.
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
5‐day cold soak, 32 days total maceration
Native malolactic fermentation in barrels
Aging
Aged 20 months in Taransaud and Seguin Moreau French oak barrels; 100% new.
Appearance
It is
deep garnet in color.