Nose
Aromas of juicy tangerine, cantaloupe and wild strawberry leap from the glass, followed by
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The beautiful layers of pure fruit are echoed on the
palate, where lively acidity adds a counterpoint to the wine’s silky texture and depth. Though
lovely now, this is also a rosé with the character and complexity to evolve in the bottle.
While the 2016 growing season delivered our fourth year in a row of early
budreak and flowering, a perfectly timed August cooldown extended the season. This provided
the grapes with an ideal amount of hangtime in The Rocks, while preserving the natural acidity
that is so integral to our style. In keeping with this style, this wine was made exclusively from
the higher acid grenache and mourvèdre grapes, which were picked earlier and at lower Brix,
specifically to make this rosé.
Our rosé grenache and mourvèdre blocks were both harvested
on September 21 at 21.2º Brix.
Our approach to both the pressing and blending of this wine is extremely gentle
and guided by taste. The pressing was done very slowly using the lowest possible pressures,
and we assessed the color and taste regularly with the goal of minimizing tannins and
preserving the complexity of the aromas and flavors. We used no hard press, and pressing
was done in a non-oxidative environment directly into tank. The grenache and mourvèdre were
whole cluster pressed and co-fermented for two and a half months using a strain of yeast
specifically selected for its cooler fermentations. To further preserve acidity and vineyard
character, malolactic fermentation was prevented. In addition, no new oak was used, and as is
the case with all of our wines, no water or acid was added. Crafted as a true year-round rosé, this bone-dry wine from the exceptional
2016 growing season combines alluring body and richness with a bright, fresh radiance.
