Nose
aromas of cassis and dark berries rise up to your nose. Deep in color, the
nose opens with ripe red fruit, dried herb, and granite.
Palate
The palate is rich, round and
mouth filling with firm tannins and a great structure. Addition of Syrah softens the
apparent tannins on the leading edge of the wine, allowing the fruit to shine.
Growing Conditions
The 2010 vintage was characterized by cooler than normal growing conditions
resulting in a later than usual start of the harvest. Rainfall returned in 2010 after
three dry years, pushing bud break, flowering and fruit-set back by at least two
weeks at the front end of the growing season, and due to the cloud cover, there was
fortunately no frost damage in 2010. Veraison was two to three weeks later than
usual, and the cool weather continued during the summer. A two-day heat spike in
late August (the only one of the season!) caused some sunburn damage, especially
in vineyards where aggressive leaf removal had recently been undertaken in
anticipation of a late, wet harvest. The long, cool growing season resulted in
concentrated fruit flavors, great natural acidity and flavors that will materialize into
elegant, structured wines, almost European in style. A very promising vintage for
our style of wines.
Aging
19 months in 63% French, 37% American Oak, 30% new
Appearance
dark ruby color
Food Pairing
The
end result is a supple, elegant wine that pairs well with a wide array of foods from
grilled meats, roasted vegetables or pizza.
