From our small lot collection and named for Ron Melville’s wife, 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, producing 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 neutral 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 cold environment. Yields were 2.1 lbs/plant (1.9 tons/acre). 67% of the fruit was gently de-stemmed with 33% remaining as whole-clusters and fermented in small 1.5 ton open-top fermenters. Total skin and 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% new French oak where it remained sur lie with no sulphur until May, and prepared for bottling in December.
Tasting notes: A dark medley of blackberry, sarsaparilla, and teriyaki mix with nuances of rose water, leather and iodine. Sage, white pepper and mustard powder are noticeable along with hints of bonita flakes and chocolate. On the palate the wine has solid concentration amplifying its dark profile and offers an array of textures that remains intense yet deft.
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