The wines of Broken Earth are made to accurately portray varietal defenition, purity of fruit and balance. The palate must appear “seamless” and where more complex wines are intended, they must allow the layers of complexity to continually emerge as you familiarize yourself with the wine.
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This variety originates from the south west of France in the region of Madiran, part of historical Basque territory. Typically it is blended with Cabernet Franc in the wines labeled Madiran. More recently it has become the preferred red grape for the country of Uruguay and has gained international acclaim. Our Estate vineyards added Tannat as a variety in 2012. Block 1N consists of 5 acres of vines planted on 10’ x 5’ spacings utilizing simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) for canopy management. It is a prolific growing variety and we strive to keep yields below 4 tons/acre to ensure depth and concentration of flavours. As a variety, it exhibits very deep colour with bright, black berry fruits and considerable tannin. The real trick is to manage those tannins to provide a seamless flow through the palate. The 2019vintage provided the right conditions to meet our expectations. The resulting wine was harvested quite ripe at 26 Brix and the ferment was conducted at a cool 60F. This ensures the more delicate aromas and flavours persist. It only spent 6 months in second use French oak barriques to add supporting texture rather than dominate the wine. Download Tasting Notes -
This wine is a native variety of Spain where it forms the backbone of the famous Rioja region in the north of the country. It is also grown in Portugal where it is known as Tinta Roriz and is utilised as one of the predominant varieties used in the production of Port. It’s name is a derivative of early in Spanish and it reflects its early ripening capabilities. Broken Earth had some of the very early plantings of this variety in Paso and, although it was a tiny block, it encouraged us to plant much more in 2016. Block 5J is 15.09 acres of Clone 770 planted on 10’ x 5’ spacings and utilising simple vertical shoot position (VSP) for canopy management. It is an active growing variety, as mentioned has the benefit of ripening earlier and provides a plush, ‘fleshy’ palate but with ample tannins to balance the fruit. The wine is quite aromatic and warrants a more obvious oak regime which utilises mostly new and some used barrels, with a mixture of French and Hybrid (French oak heads and American oak staves). Harvested at 24.5 Brix, and following a cool ferment, it spent 15 months in oak. The result is a wine that immediately captures your attention. Download Tasting Notes -
This varietal is native to Italy, predominantly in Campania and Sicily as it prefers a warmer climate. It carries its own DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata Garantita) rating as FianodiAvellino in Campania. This is a fascinating variety in that offers some powerful aromatics both through ferment and in to bottle. The levels of tropical fruit aromas and flavours is extraordinary and with careful canopy management, loves the climate at our vineyard. Planted in 2016, Block 5M (2.51 acres) utilises at simple VSP (vertical shoot positioning) canopy and is planted on 10’ x 5’ spacings with 1103P rootstock and Clone 1 Fiano. Harvested at 23.1 Brix, the juice was fermented for 28 days at 57°F before being transferred to neutral white barrels to complete the ferment. This allows for a very gentle introduction of oxygen to further enhance the aromatics. The resulting wine has quite the presence. Its tropical flavours are supported by honey notes and some spice. The fruit dominates though, on both the nose and the palate. A touch of grip on the finish helps tie the fruit up nicely, it can be tricky trying to harness all characters. Surprisingly there is a hint of oak in the background which again ensures the complexity is focused. Currently the winemaking team’s favourite white, we are excited to see how the wines develop as the vineyard reaches maturity and its full potential. Download Tasting Notes -
Our Malbec grapes were delivered on October 23, 2019. We received about 30 tons of Malbec from our estate vineyard. The fruit was crushed, de-stemmed, and sent to tank. The Brix upon arrival was 23 degrees, the pH was 4.23. We added tartaric acid to the must due to the very high pH. BDX yeast was used to inoculate the must. Two pump overs were done daily turning over the fruit and helping with the ferment. The Malbec finished alcoholic fermentation on October 25, 2019, and was pressed off the skins. Malolactic fermentation ended on November 26, 2019. Barrels were individually selected for bottling (50% new French Oak and 50% older hybrid barrels). A full-bodied wine with bright plum and rich blackberry flavors. Download Tasting Notes -
This is the third crop from a section of Cabernet Sauvignon vines that were replanted, and it is the first real showing of our vineyard’s true potential as these vines will produce and improve upon with age. This Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon matured in New French Oak, which has an extremely tight grain and leaves little space for air exposure, creating a more delicate mouthfeel. According to the winemaker, this is a French Cabernet on steroids. Pair this wine with duck or a leaner beef, with nothing too rich in the sauce. Perfectly seared lamb would also go quite nicely. Download Tasting Notes -
Held up to the light, this wine illuminates an opaque and yet semi-translucent ruby color. Scents of chocolate, cherries and baked berry pie waft from the glass. It’s impossible not to want to get more up close and personal with this wine. A slight leather flavor mixed within tobacco and earth notes makes itself known up front and in the cheeks. In the middle of the palate, there is distinct cacao power and a sultry dark chocolate nib taste mixed with delicate floral notes that envelops the senses. Download Tasting Notes -
Fruit was handpicked and delivered to the winery where it was crushed and inoculated that same day with Clos yeast. Pump overs were done twice a day throughout the ferment. Alcoholic fermentation finished and the tank was pressed off skins. Malolactic fermentation began and the wine was transferred to 50% French oak barrels and 50% Hybrid oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation continued until January 2021. The wine stayed in barrel until June 2021 and then filtration was performed and the wine was bottled. The decision was made to bottle the wine early after sensory evaluation. The wine had come together so well and retained all of the primary fruit characters associated with the variety that further aging was deemed not necessary. Download Tasting Notes -
This is a Mistella style (fortified grape juice) made from Black Muscat grapes. The juice itself has not been fermented so it is very sweet. It is 16.5% alcohol (due to addition of fortifying spirit) which balances the sweetness nicely. The style is technically called a “Mistella” but is classified by the TTB as an “Angelica.” It has a pale apricot color and would suit anything from fresh fruit and berries to dishes with a syrup or sugar glaze. This is a chance to be daring! Download Tasting Notes -
Intensely colored verging on black! This wine is crafted from 100% Petite Sirah off of our estate vineyard. Located on the hillside to the far east of our property where the fruit receives ample afternoon sun allowing for the development of distinct varietal characteristics, rich color and a powerful presence. The nose shows rich black and brambly fruits, vanilla bean and roasted coffee. This wine is lush and easy-drinking, exhibiting intense berry characters, with superb texture you will find in none other than Petite Sirah. A delicious wine! Download Tasting Notes -
The beast has been released! This one hundred percent Tannat does not hold back, and neither should you. A bold, rich varietal that is making a name for itself in California is native to Uruguay; it is the dominant grape grown in the Basque region bordering Spain and France. A deep mulberry color comes from the thick skins of the grape, which also creates a gripping tannin structure on the palate. Mulberry and other dark berry flavors are mirrored in the flavor profile with each sip becoming more intense. This is an unapologetically delicious wine, containing a perceived sweetness and ever giving fruit. Le Bête has a generous structure that pairs impeccably with multiple foods. Staying true to its Basque roots, paella is a rather traditional pairing, especially when the socarrat is perfectly browned. And for an extra bite of luxury, use some of the wine in your favorite barbecue sauce recipe to bring the flavor to the next level... don’t be shy! Download Tasting Notes -
A new adventure with an old friend. La Belle emphasizes all things lovely about the Muscatel varietal that we have adored, and unfortunately forgotten about over the years. This Muscatel, known by the more common name of Muscat, offers insight into a whole new world of what can be achieved when this grape is produced in a new style. When popped and poured, the Lily of the Valley florals and deeply aromatic esters erupt out of the glass with the most delicate of force. The effervescence eager to be set free, it delivers with a cloudburst of ripe peach and other stone fruit, enchanting the utmost reaches of the palate. Instead of the wine continuing on with enveloping levels of overwhelming sweetness, it makes an acute turn in the direction of spritely acidity. A graceful summer porch sipper, acting as a foil to those beastly reds so commonly found in Paso Robles and throughout California. This is a wine that can fly solo, but with its acidity and off dry approachability can stand up to many a cuisine. The best attribute being, this wine can stand up to spice and sour dishes, such as Korean barbecue or various curries. Any variation of a farmer’s market fresh summer dish will work as a hassle-free pairing as well. Download Tasting Notes -
The Rosé, as a wine, has certainly gained prominence in recent years with consumers. The darker, sweeter versions have given way, though, to much tighter and drier styles that reflect real elegance and style. We chose Grenache to be the basis of our Rosé in 2020. Our Estate Grenache Rosé was sourced from Block 1B-N (12.53 acres) and Block 4A (3.38 acres). Harvested earlier than the fruit destinated for our Limited Release Grenache, it was crushed and left on skins for 24 hours before the required volume was drained and settled for ferment. At this point the juice is basically treated as a white and fermented quite cold at 57°F. for 31 days. Yeast selection is critical and we utilise a specific strain that focuses on fruit retention and aroma enhancement. Note the pale colour that maintains some of the pigments (anthocyanins) from original skin contact. Certainly a wine for all seasons, enjoy this chilled on its own or accompanied by dishes that suit similarly dry white wines. Download Tasting Notes
Featured Products
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2020 Limited Release Tannat
$35.00
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2019 Limited Release Tempranillo
$35.00
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2020 Limited Release Fiano
$30.00
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2019 Limited Release Malbec
$35.00