Nose
The fruit aromas are abundant spanning the spectrum from lemon zest to ripe apricot, pear and pineapple. Notes of golden piecrust, melted butter, vanilla and clove add elegance and complexity to the effusive aromatics.
Palate
The mouthfeel is rich and layered, with ripe fruit, cream and sweet oak. Flavors of nectarine, Anjou pear and ripe citrus are displayed with a brightness and definition seen only in the best vintages. Crisp acidity adds the final touch to this powerful, yet elegantly balanced wine.
Growing Conditions
This cool, windswept vineyard has an ideal location bordering San Pablo Bay where the grapes slowly mature developing intense varietal character, while retaining excellent acidity and structure.
Harvest
The 2012 growing season offered fantastic growing conditions. Significant rains in early March were followed by perfect weather during bloom and an excellent fruit set. Summer temperatures were also ideal, with alternating periods of fog and sunshine ensuring great hangtime and no significant stress on the vines. With no notable heat events, and no threat of rain, we were able to pick exactly when we wanted to, resulting in pristine, perfectly developed fruit with great balance and acidity.
Winemaking
The wine was fermented in French oak barrels, aged on the lees for eight months and underwent malolactic fermentation during the aging process.
Aging
8 months in French Oak barrels.