WINEMAKER COMMENTS
Sourced from the younger vines from Vista Verde, the wine showcases aromas of dark fruits and berry along with hints of purple flowers. Notes of pomegranate and wood spices complete this delightful and easy drinking Central Coast offering. Berry and dried herb flavors abound in the mouth and lead into a soft and round texture. The wine finishes with elegant tannins and a subtle mineral-like sensation.
THE VINEYARD
The Vista Verde Vineyard, located a couple miles southeast of Hollister, California, near the small town of Tres Pinos in San Benito County. This heavy limestone vineyard is separated into nine blocks that include clones such as Pommard, Calera, Canada, 667, Mt. Eden, and Swan.
HARVEST 2020
The 2020 growing season started out very dry and bud break was delayed. Early spring rains recharged the soil profile, but periods of extreme cold caused many frost events throughout the Russian River Valley. Late spring yielded ample sunshine and moderate temperatures, and the plants responded very well with excellent canopy growth. The season ended up approximately 12% warmer than average and did not have any heat spikes until August. Harvest started in haste on August 12, ahead of an extreme heat wave. On the night of August 17, the weather changed and there was a rare dry lightning storm that sparked a fire on a hillside in remote west Sonoma County; later named the Walbridge Fire. In the Russian River Valley, it took a number of days for smoke to settle. Based on test results for smoke taint on the grapes, several coastal vineyards were not picked. For the vineyards which were picked, either before the fire or before the smoke settled, the result was concentrated wines with a darker, more brooding complexion. The polish of the tannin, coupled with excellent concentration, should allow for a wide drinking window.
TECHNICAL NOTES
Barrel Description: 41% new, 59% 1 yr. Barrel Aged: 11 months
pH: 3.58
TA: 0.60g/100mL
Alc: 13.9%
Released Spring 2022
