Harvest

The 2017 growing season began with abundant winter rains, followed by a warm, dry spring that led to a perfectly timed budbreak. In addition to replenishing the water table, the early season rains produced robust canopies, which provided invaluable shade during a week-long heat event that kicked harvest into gear during the last week of August. This was followed by a much-needed cooldown that allowed the vines to recuperate, while also giving us extra hangtime for flavor development and tannin resolution. We harvested throughout September and into early October, with the grapes showing lovely ripeness and quality, yielding plush, polished and wonderfully complex wines.

Winemaking

Luscious and alluring, this wine begins with aromas of currant, cranberry, cherry blossom and red plum. On the palate, vibrant acidity and fine-grained tannins provide an elegant framework for the pure, polished fruit flavors, with hints of wet stone, orange peel, star anise and sweet baking spices emerging as it unfurls in the glass before gliding to a rich, lingering finish.

Aging

Aged 18 months in 100% French oak 75% new