Nose
dark aromas of mission fig, ripe blackberry, espresso and fine humidor tobacco.
Palate
Deep, savory notes continue through a plush entry with flavors of juicy black plum, cured meat, licorice, shiitake, saffron and a
touch of black peppercorn. Best known for its gripping tannins, this bottling of 100% Petit Verdot is unexpectedly supple and
succulent, with a lingering finish and balanced acidity that only hint at its oak aging.
Growing Conditions
The 2012 growing season began relatively dry, continuing with a warm spring and perfect weather for fruit set. The vines
produced a record amount of high-quality small-berry clusters, enabling us to nurture the crop with great precision. In all, we
kept just half the initial yield to ensure optimal ripeness. The berries developed exceptionally rich flavor, color and density,
notably in the sometimes fickle Petit Verdot.
Vineyard: Pahlmeyer Waters Ranch
This wine is allocated exclusively to Preferred Members.
This release is not available.
Bottling
It was bottled unfined and unfiltered on May 16, 2014.
Winemaking
The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way to tank. After four
to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermenters, the fruit began 100% native yeast fermentation.
Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations.
Aging
The wine continued to age in 85% new French oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen months.
Appearance
An opaque burgundy color.
