From our small lot collection and named for Ron Melville’s wife, Donna, this is 100% Sta. Rita Hills estate fruit. It is a 3.6 acre section composed of two clones, Estrella and Clone 1, on three different low-vigor rootstocks, and produces fruit of a special character for two reasons. First, because the vines are planted in 20 feet of sand it always delivers an intoxicating bouquet of flowers and perfume. It is the absence of any material other than sand that creates such high-toned and aromatic fruit. Second, this block is also located in the warmest section on our estate. It is completely wind protected by our neighbor’s property and thus has the best chance of accumulating ripeness in our harsh environment. Yields were 3.2 lbs/plant (2.9 tons/acre). 67% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed with 33% remaining as whole-clusters and was fermented in small 1.5 ton open-top fermenters. Total skin and/or stem contact averaged 30 days (a 7 day cold soak, 2+ weeks fermentation and 1+ week extended maceration). From the press, the wine was transferred directly into 15% French oak where it remained sur lie with no SO2 until May, and prepared for bottling.
Tasting Notes: A dark blue and red hue dominates the color of this wine. Aromatically intense with a flurry of black fruits such as currants, cherries and boysenberries. Earthy essences of pencil lead, black pepper, tapenade, asphalt, dust, and coffee intermingle with sweet nuances of teriyaki, dried apple, rose and cinamon. On the palate it is rich, complex and sinister with much underlying strength. While the wine offers generous weight and mouth feel it remains elegant and balanced.
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