Vintage
1997 was unusual in many ways. The growing season began early with good weather for the critical points of bud break and bloom. Early on we could see that crop levels were significantly higher than normal. The weather remained warm through the summer, pushing the large crop ahead of schedule. We began harvesting in Sonoma County on August 14th, the earliest ever, and finished on October 6th, nearly a month earlier than "normal". With this long growing season and warm weather we were able to harvest fruit that was both ripe and fully mature.

Vinification
Malbec from both vineyards was fermented in small bins and punched down by hand. The wines were pressed at dryness and then placed in a combination of 2 and 3 year old French oak barrels for 15 months. The final wine was blended in the spring of 1999 and bottled, unfiltered, in July.

Tasting Notes
Aromas are of berry, spice and vanilla, with intense flavors creamy blueberry, spice and oak. Serve this with spicy pork tenderloin or a rack of lamb.

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