Palate
Sonoma Stage typically has a very cool climate profile that emphasizes
soy, mushroom and forest floor notes, but in 2015 the riper profile means that the wine shows more ripe black fruits like blackberry and black cherry. The fruit notes are balanced by the spice components which are present both in the nose and on the palate. Even in a riper vintage the wine retains the vibrant acidity characteristic of the vineyard.
Growing Conditions
The Sonoma Stage Vineyard is one of the coolest vineyards in Sonoma County. Positioned on the south side of Highway 116, between Sonoma and Napa, the vineyard is subject to cool winds both from San Pablo Bay to the south and the Petaluma Gap to the west.
The 2015 Vintage at Sonoma Stage started with cold, windy spring weather that resulted in low crop yields. Partly because of the lower crop yields the site seemed to produce a slightly riper fruit profile in 2015.
Aging
Aged in Francois Freres, Boutes, and Rousseau barrels for 12 months
