From the west side of our estate, the three undulating slopes of Terraces lie completely exposed to the elements facing severe wind pressure, several sun exposures and challenging drainage issues. This 4.9 acre block is planted on clay loam and limestone soils wrapping 120° around Carrie’s block. Five clones: Swan, Mount Eden, 115, 667 and 777, form a unique combination of old California Selections and newer dijonnaise clonal material. This site’s soils, elevation, aspect and clonal diversity weave thematically through this wine creating an array of diverging and intriguing expressions. The fruit was fermented in small (1.5 ton) open-top fermenters. Total skin and stem contact averaged 30 days (7 day cold soak, 2 + weeks of fermentation and 1 + week extended maceration.) From the press, the wine was transferred directly into neutral barrel where it remained sur lie with no sulfur until April, when it was gently racked for the first time and prepared for bottling in December. 40% stem inclusion. 25% new French oak. Yields at 2.5 lbs./plant (2.3 tons/acre).
Tasting Notes: A complex array of wild red and black fruits such as raspberry, currant, cherry and rhubarb immediately
spring from the glass. On the palate the wine turns towards more earth and spice components
reminiscent of pink peppercorns, celery, flax and sesame seed, sage powder and black tea. An intriguing
sweet aromatic of chanterelles and cinnamon also lurks in the background. The mouth feel is assertive,
rich and concentrated finishing with substantial length while maintaining its vibrancy.
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