Nose
Mouth-watering aromas of sweet red cherry, juicy red currant and
roasted red plum fruits, supported by cinnamon spice, creamy vanilla and fragrant briar.
Palate
The wine enters the palate
smoothly with luscious berry pie, crushed raspberry and juicy cassis flavors laced with delicate touches of nutmeg, fine
cocoa and clove. These flavors last through the long and rich finish, supported by the familiar ’Rutherford dust” quality
through to the end.
Growing Conditions
The 2008 vintage was a rollercoaster that kept everyone on their toes, opening with an intense frost that resulted in
limited fruit set, then proceeded to be one of the driest seasons on record which reduced berry weight further. A long, cool
summer allowed flavors to develop fully before a heat wave encouraged prompt picking.
Harvest
Harvest commenced mid-September
with the grapes gently hand-harvested into small boxes, then quickly destemmed into tank.
Bottling
Bottling in May 2010.
Winemaking
The
wine spent 19 days on the skins after fermentation.
Aging
Aged in 55% new French oak barrels for 17 months.
Appearance
A bright ruby wine.
Food Pairing
Delightfully juicy and bright, this wine will provide a beautiful accompaniment to number of offerings. Alongside a
dish with a medley of flavors, like a roast rack of Kurobuta pork with green olive fritters and roasted eggplant, this wine
will present a rich harmony to the palate. For a delectable cheese course, try this bottling with Ossau Iraty, a French
sheep’s milk cheese with a creamy texture.