Nose
The nose is all black fruit all the time: sloe, black olive, black cherry, violets, black raspberry and licorice (and a very sublime suggestion of wintergreen in the mix as well).
Palate
The mouth is just soft and elegant; bright acidity, moderate alcohol and a finish that goes on and on.
Bottling
Bottled 8/9/11.
Winemaking
Grenache from our former Ca’ del Solo estate (a quarter of the blend) adds rich black fruit flavors and a discreet spiciness. Syrah is principally sourced from Bien Nacido vineyard in Santa Maria Valley, which produces the closest analogue we have found to a Northern Rhône Syrah—tannic and meaty in the lower registers; peppery, fruitful and delicately floral in the top, all the while showing great balance and harmony. A small amount of ultra-low-yielding hilltop Biodynamic® Syrah comes from the Chequera vineyard on the west side of Paso Robles. A select group of non-irrigated, centenarian Contra Costa vineyards continues to provide Mourvèdre for Cigare. A touch of Cinsault provides a very particular fragrance of flowers and aromatic herbs.
Food Pairing
Duck, lamb, venison.
