Nose
The aroma has layers of depth, hinting of dark cherry, depth, hinting of dark cherry, black currant, blackberry and blackcurrant, blackberry and cassis. These forward fruit cassis. These forward fruit components in the aroma are components in the aroma are further complexed with a further complexed with a hint of juniper berry and a hint of juniper berry and mincemeat pie.
Palate
With flavor that is quite pleasant dark cherry pleasant dark cherry dominance, the finish is very dominance,the finish is very long and complimented by long and complimented by mature, smooth tannins.
Growing Conditions
Heaviest winter rains finished by mid-February. A sudden warming trend at the end of February started bud growth. Set began in mid-May with weather generally cool. By June it had warmed up and the weather was largely moderate and even, with morning cloud cover or cool evening breezes.
Bottling
May 2005
Winemaking
Open and closed-top stainless steel fermenters 9 – 12 days at 73° – 88°F with 6 - 8 days skin contact.
Aging
24 months in 60 gallon French oak barrels.
Appearance
The color of this wine is very dark ruby
