Nose

Cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, plum. This wine has finally reached the red cherry cough drop thing we love in Southern Rhône Grenache. Red/black/earth/fruit – each component in balance. Tar, purple flower, white pepper, black olive, green Provence herbs, "the garrigue." Insanely interesting aromatically. I keep going back, and its changing and opening...

Palate

Acid is fresh and firm. Tannins fall between medium and medium-plus. On the palate, there's balanced alcohol, even at 14%. Both earth and fruit flavors cover the palate. Probably the best we have ever made to date.

Growing Conditions

Usually, this wine is a blend of Alder Ridge Vineyard, which contributes power and structure, and Olsen Vineyard, which lends elegance. However, in 2017, Olsen Vineyard made a complete wine. Going forward, when we can show a single vineyard bottling, we will.

Winemaking

In 2017, the finished wine was fermented 75% whole cluster.

Aging

We aged the wine in predominately neutral Stockinger foudre, a.k.a. really big barrels, with a small amount in 500-liter puncheons and small barrels.