Nose
The nose hints at toffee and cherry liqueur.
Palate
Each sip reveals caramel,
milk chocolate, and dark cherry flavors.
Growing Conditions
Peju’s Rutherford Estate is a California Certified Organic vineyard, and
is planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The winery’s
two additional properties, located in Pope Valley and Calistoga, are both
Certified Sustainable vineyards. At Persephone Ranch in Pope Valley,
the climate is suited to grow Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well
as Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are grown on the Wappo Vineyard in
Calistoga. Drawing from such varied terroir, the wines exhibit the perfect
blend of mountain-fruit focus and Rutherford complexity.
The 2009 growing season was an exercise in patience as we entered our
third drought year. The dry and mild weather, however, resulted in slow,
steady fruit maturation and a perfect ripening scenario for harvest. Scarce
frost in the spring and fewer than average days of high heat in the summer,
combined with rains that were scarce but well-timed gave Winemaker
Sara Fowler growing conditions to celebrate.
8% brandy.
Bottling
Bottled June 2011.
Aging
36 months in 100% Neutral French Oak
Food Pairing
This wine is decadent and luxurious
enough to enjoy as dessert on its own, but it would pair wonderfully with
a variety of chocolate or salty confections.
