Zinfandel-based with a supporting cast of Syrah, Carignane, Petite Sirah, and Grenache.
AVA: Sonoma County, California
Alc: 14.5% • pH: 3.62 • TA: 6.3 g/l • RS: 0.19%
Individual parcels were vinted and barrel aged separately with blending taking place in stages over a month period. Some highly compatible components (Zinfandel and Petite Sirah) were married early in the cellaring cycle while other lots benefited from extended aging on their own and were only later incorporated when fully matured. Final assemblage took place four months prior to bottling so that the wine could integrate and age as a blend. We choose to age exclusively in French oak as we find its elegance and subtlety are well-suited to each of our varietal components and this commonality blurs the lines of varietal character to unify and harmonize the blend.
The wine opens with a heady nose of fruit and spice that suggests briar berries, toffee, baking spice, and cola. A signature crimson-rosewood hue reflects the depth of color of the various components and is indicative of the juicy and fruit-driven nature of the wine. The palate entry is lush with waves of black cherry, wild berry compote, pomegranate, and maple. On the finish, a hint of birch accents lively plum, raspberry, and hibiscus fruit. Thoughtful layering of the earthy dimensions of Syrah, and the peppery spice of Petite Sirah lend grounding savory elements to the abundant fruit notes of wild cherry and strawberry provided by Zinfandel and Grenache.