Palate
The resulting wines are robust with deep, concentrated flavors combined with a remarkable freshness. Gap's Crown vineyard delivers strong phenolics each vintage, with dark velvety colors, robust tannins, and ample acidity.
Growing Conditions
Gap’s Crown is situated on Roberts Road just above the Sangiacomo Vineyard. This is a high-end, hillside vineyard that is gaining acclaim. In 2016, our fruit came from three distinct blocks within this vineyard. The 828 block was planted in 2002 on 110R rootstock at 800 feet elevation. The 115 block was planted in 2005 on 3309 rootstock at 1,200 feet in extremely rocky soil. Both of these blocks have pure western exposure and benefit from the cool micro-climate of this site, as well as the natural stress created by the severity of the terrain in which these blocks are located. The 667 block has a northwest exposure and produces very small berries with dark purple coloring and loads of structure.
Harvest
In 2016, California experienced a fifth year of severe drought conditions, resulting in small grape clusters with tiny berries. Yields were slightly higher than in 2015 as the vines were more in balance. Moderate summer temperatures allowed sugar levels and flavor development to progress slowly and evenly. A few brief heat spikes gave way to a cooler than normal August, allowing for longer hang times without rapid sugar accumulation.
Bottling
Bottled unfined and unfiltered August 2017.
Winemaking
• 10% whole cluster pressed
• Open-top fermentation
• Native yeast
Appearance
Dark, velvety colors.
