Vineyard Notes
The Zinfandel all comes from our Kate’s Vineyard which lies in the Kiler Canyon just a half mile southwest of our Estate. The Syrah and some Merlot comes from the Rolph Family Vineyard a mile northwest of us. The balance of Merlot comes from our Estate plantings at the very top of Calcareous Vineyard property. The 2018 vintage was the rarest of all vintages, it was basically a perfect growing season top to bottom. The conditions remained stress free for both vines and vintners and all involved were able to plainly produce the best wine you possibly could.
Winemaker Notes
The Syrah and Merlot were picked over the same 2 day time period and were fermented together. The later ripening Zinfandel was harvested later and fermented by itself. All lots were hand picked and destemmed whole berryinto 3.5 ton concrete fermenters. A regiment of twice daily punch-downs and a pump-over every third day promoted a gentle but steady extraction of phenolics. The wine was left on skins from 12 to 17 days, pressing at first sign of rougher tannins. The free run and press fractions were combined, and the blend put together after completion of malo-lactic fermentation. After 16 months in barrel the lot was racked out and was bottled promptly after going to tank.
Production Notes
820 Cases Produced