Nose

A bountiful bouquet that matches the intensity of its color. Lush aromas of dark
currant and deep black cherry are pleasantly pronounced as they are joined by touches
of fresh vanilla bean, graham cracker and toasted cinnamon.

Palate

The velvety palate opens
with flavors of luscious red cherry, cassis and briary blackberry fruit that melt into hints
of star anise, ground clove and sweet tobacco leaf and are carried by supple tannins
through the lasting finish.

Growing Conditions

The mild 2011 vintage allowed for a long hang
time, resulting in evenly ripe, complex flavors in the berries.

Harvest

The fruit for this wine
was harvested at an optimal level of ripeness in late September through October. The
fruit was hand-harvested at night, carefully sorted and destemmed to tank, where
fermentation took place.

Aging

Racked to 35% new American oak
barrels,where it was aged for 18 months prior to bottling.

Appearance

This wine presents a beautiful opaque ruby hue in the glass.

Food Pairing

Deliciously fruit-forward and vibrant, this is a fantastic food wine, and will
pair beautifully alongside a variety of dishes, from braised beef shortribs with celery
root purée, to a seared ahi tuna burger, to roast chicken with herbed new potatoes and
sauteéd seasonal vegetables. Also, try this versatile bottling alongside Mimolette, a
hard, aged cow’s milk cheese, for a memorable cheese course.