Nose

This wine boasts a bountiful
nose of baked black plum, dark currant and blackberry pie, supported by whispers of
espresso bean, dried violets and tar.

Palate

Ripe Bing cherry and boysenberry lead on the
palate, while deep flavors of cinnamon toast, molasses and maple follow. Long and
lingering, the mineral finish swirls with robust yet creamy tannins and subtle touches of
Earl Grey tea and vanilla bean.

Growing Conditions

With steadily mild temperatures throughout the
growing season, the 2009 vintage progressed very smoothly and the clusters ripened
evenly.

Harvest

The berries were harvested late September through early October and underwent
our rigorous sorting process before crush.

Bottling

Bottling in May 2011.

Winemaking

, fermentation was completed in tank.

Aging

55% new French
oak barrels for for 18 months.

Appearance

Bold and garnet-black in color.

Food Pairing

A wine as complex and beautiful as this would be best showcased
alongside a hearty yet simple preparation. Grilled marinated hangar steak with roasted
shallots or roast lamb shoulder with Provencal vegetables would be excellent choices
to partner with this wine, as would a dry, mature cheese like Asiago d’Avello.