Nose
rich, ripe cherry, cassis
and blackberry fruit aromas.
Palate
Soft tannins and sweet oak combine with a
gentle hint of pepper and spice to yield a full-bodied wine with excellent
balance and a long, lingering finish
Growing Conditions
The 2001 vintage was three weeks early and 15% lighter than usual. Winter
rains totaling about half of normal and harsh early spring weather
conditions including several unusual nights of frost in early April
contributed to reduced crop volume. The cool April was followed by the
hottest May on record, which resulted in berry shatter in certain varieties.
Although extremely hot weather continued through June and July, cool
August days and cold evenings extended hang time and allowed the grapes
to balance flavor profiles with rising sugar levels, yielding big, full wines of
concentrated color and flavor.
Appearance
deep ruby in color
