In 2020, there were several heat events close to harvest which affected the vines at the depiction vineyard. As the heat subsided, and as we were giving the vines a chance to recover prior to harvest, the Glass Fire broke out. As a result, we felt that the quality of what we would be able to produce would not be consistent with prior vintages, so we elected not to make a 2020 vintage.
2021, however, was a much different story and offered a fairly event free growing year. The year was characterized by dry conditions, an early bud break and a typical harvest date and yield.
Ripe berries, lignified stems, perfect early morning temperatures to harvest.
The dry growing season gave us some plummy, black cherry fruit flavors and quite a bit of tannin. We timed the harvest to balance ripe fruit and ripe tannins, which are resolving really nicely in bottle. We chose a gentle extraction and French Oak aging regime which supported and married the tannin structure to the fruit.
Cool morning fog ensured fruit in optimal condition when it reached the winery for processing.
2021 will be a wine that can age for a long time. Its dark fruit and broad tannins will evolve for decades and continue to show new facets. Today, the huckleberry pie aromas give way to a balanced entry and mid palate showing darker berry and cherry flavors with a refreshing acidity and some savory cooking herbs in the background. The finish is clean, long, and precise, with lingering notes of black cherry and dark chocolate.