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

Aromas of juicy blackberry, blueberry and black mission figs leap from the glass followed by complex hints of sage and violet. On the silky palate, Rutherford’s signature dusty tannins provide lovely grip and texture, underscoring the voluptuous dark berry, currant and vanilla flavors, with notes of graphite and clove emerging on the long, supple finish.