Vintage
The season began on a wet note - we got almost a year's average rainfall in December 2002 – but an unseasonably warm spring gave us an early bud break in March. The vines began to grow and the weather turned cold and wet again in April; depending on location we had rain between 20 to 26 days of the month. This cool overcast weather virtually stopped vine growth and filled the soil with water. As it turned out, April rains and soil moisture ended up being the big story of 2003. Warm weather in May got things going again with explosive growth, then June cooled off and it became apparent that it was going to be a late harvest. There were rumblings about similarities with 1998, but with record heat in July, the situation looked hopeful. August cooled some but brought a tropical weather pattern and the fear of rain. The weather warmed in late September and it became a challenge to control sugars while waiting for flavor maturity. Once harvest began in mid-September, but thanks to a cooling trend, we were able to bring in fruit with great ripeness and maturity through October. 2003 was unique and, weather-wise all over the board. But we got what we needed at critical times and most varietals fared beautifully.

Vinification
The small lots from select vineyards around the state underwent a gentle regimen of cold-soaking, hand punchdowns and extended maceration to optimize the soft tannins. The components were selected barrel by barrel and aged separately in a combination of French and American oak for 16 months. The blend was created in December 2004 and bottled May 24, 2005.

Tasting Notes
This very complex, supple, aromatic blend boasts a rich, multi-faceted nose of blueberry, cedar, spicy oak and cherry and is equally intense and velvety on the palate. Enjoy with roasted leg of lamb, barbequed chicken, fresh tomato sauce, juicy burgers served off the grill and mild flavored cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Gouda, Fontina.

< Back