Harvest
The 2014 growing season got off to a fast start, with the vines awaking early in spring. Though drought conditions continued throughout California, moderate summer weather and a lack of any long-term heat spikes allowed us to avoid any issues. The steady weather contributed to ideal even ripening, and our first pick came into the winery in early August—one of our earliest starts on record. By the time the first rains arrived in late September, harvest was essentially complete. As a result, for the third straight year, the quality of the harvest was exceptional.
Winemaking
This wine delivers a gorgeous nose of ripe blackberry and black cherry supported by earthy notes of soil and shaved cedar. It is well structured and poised, with a lovely acid profile that adds focus to the pure berry flavors that glide across the palate and carry the wine to a complex and spicy finish.
Aging
Cooperage: 100% French Oak 40% new oak, 60% neutral