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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 variety, has a fascinating history. Believed to originate from Portugal where it is still grown, it was the most widely planted grape on the small island of Madeira, known mostly for its fortified wine. In the 1970’s it was ‘adopted’ by a number of Australian producers (from a number of different regions across the country) and allowed to ripen fully to produce very appealing white table wines. Its presence in California was first with the Sierra Foothills and has gradually spread its reach. The variety’s ability to ripen early and handle warmer conditions make it an ideal competitor to many distinctive white wine styles from around the world (NZ Sauvignon Blanc for example). Our Estate Verdelho, planted in 2012 on 1103P rootstock and Clone 2 grafted consists of 4.78 acres utilising 10’ x 5’ spacings and a simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) trellising system. The berries are relatively thick skinned, it is disease resistant and ripens early (typically the first harvested), a dream for the vineyard team. The most remarkable feature of Verdelho grapes is how bright green the juice looks. Our reductive approach and completely inert membrane press allows us to maintain that freshness through to bottle. The 2020 was harvested at 24.0 Brix and underwent a cool (54oF) ferment for 27 days. During the ferment, its characteristic floral and lime aromas emerge, really setting the scene for the rest of harvest, there is nothing quite like the smell of fermenting juice. Interestingly, the finished wine seems quite closed on the nose with only hints of fruit but literally explodes with flavour on the palate. Download Tasting Notes -
It is considered that Vermentino found its origins in Italy, confirmed recently by DNA Typing. It is prevalent in the region of Liguria but has gained much prominence on the island of Sardinia and, more recently, Tuscany. Vermentino has started to emerge in new world producers from Australia and California. The variety’s ability to adapt to a range of climates has great appeal and it certainly has found a home in the Paso Robles region. Our Estate Vermentino Block 3F was planted in 2012 and the 5.02 acres has 10’ x 5’ spacings and utilizes a simple vertical shoot positioning (VSP) canopy. The variety enjoys the warmth of the region and typically ripens early, usually producing wines around 13 – 13.5% alcohol. The 2020 Vermentino was harvested at 24.1 Brix and underwent an extended ferment at a controlled, quite low temperature of 60°F. The cooler ferment guarantees the retention of the more subtle aromas and flavours that are typically absent in warmer conditions in the cellar. This wine has exhibited the greatest depth and complexity so far and it’s amazing texture shows how versatile the variety can be. The wine is produced using reductive techniques, employing the only totally inert gas membrane press in the USA at the time. Oak is not used to ensure freshness is maintained and the fruit harmony is not disrupted. The release of this wine has been met with great acclaim, including a 93 point (and Editor’s Choice) rating in Wine Enthusiast. A great drink on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with many types of food. For those who enjoy sardines, this is a real surprise. Download Tasting Notes -
Viognier is a grape variety most famous for Condrieu wines in the Rhone Valley region of France. It has, however, emerged as a favourite in new world areas in Australia and California. The origins are obscure with the suggestion that it originated in Croatia (known as Dalmatia earlier) and was brought to the Rhone region by the Romans. It is an interesting variety in that it requires warmth to ripen optimally as it ripens slowly but too much heat (without proper canopy management) can result in high sugar levels (and consequent high alcohol) without enough supporting flavour. Our Estate Viognier was planted in the 1990’s and Block 1B-S is 10.90 acres and utilizes 12’ x 7’ spacings utilizing an older type quadrilateral trellis system. California can be tough on crops and Block 1B-S is coming to the end of its time. We are, however, developing a new block on fresh soil on the same property with a higher elevation and more beneficial aspect. The 2020 Viognier was harvested at 24.4 Brix and, as is the case with all our whites, underwent and cool extended ferment. Typically California Viognier is rich but soft, almost projecting an oily texture. Our reductive handling and colder approach maintains many subtle characters that warmer ferments disperse during the process. Hints of green melon, freshly ground coconut and green apple accompany the more typical ripe apricot characters. Due to its susceptibility to oxygen, our approach results in a wine that retains freshness while still showing complexity and length of flavour. This is a wine for all seasons. 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 -
The grapes for this wine were quite ripe and immediately crushed, pressed and sent to be settled. Following cold settling, the clear juice was racked and transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. The pH was adjusted to allow for optimal fermentation conditions and yeast was introduced. The cold fermentation was allowed to soak for 23 days at 52°F. This fermentation allows the wine to retain freshness while maximizing the depth and complexity of barrel maturation. Maturation completed in second and third use French oak barriques for 10 months. This parcel was left on lees until the final blend was decided. Download Tasting Notes -
Rosé, as a wine, has certainly gained prominence in recent years with consumers. The darker, sweeter versions have given way, though, too much tighter and drier styles that reflect real elegance and style. We chose Grenache to be the basis of our Rosé which is the predominant grape used in Provence-style Rosé blends. This 2022 vintage is bright, fresh, and highly fragrant. While it is very dry on the palate you'll get a burst of strawberry and raspberry fruit. It has a great length of flavor and wonderfully balanced acidity making it the perfect drink for all your spring and summer occasions! -
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These are our Wine Club Members' favorite white varietals! This white wine trio comes with Vermentino, Fiano, and Verdelho and go with any season, especially the end of summer with these remaining hot days. Bonus: Get a Broken Earth Cork Coaster with purchase. This white wine trio will not disappoint!- 2020 Limited Release Vermentino: The release of this wine has been met with great acclaim, including a 93-point (and Editor’s Choice) rating in Wine Enthusiast. A great drink on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with many types of food.
- 2020 Limited Release Verdelho: Fruit flavors explode on the palate. Fresh acidity, great weight, and texture are hallmarks of excellent Verdelho. This wine has the benefit of being able to be served well chilled, a great summer choice.
- 2021 Limited Release Fiano: This wine has the weight and presence of a great Chardonnay but has the added depth of much more fruit. This is a wine that enjoys not-so-chilled conditions, allowing the fruit to emerge by not serving too cold.
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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 -
Our Ragpicker’s Dream is made from four traditional Portuguese varietals: Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Sousao & Tinta Roriz. It is a vintage-style Port, but as it is not made in Portugal we are not allowed to call it Port, hence the “Dessert Wine” Classification on the back label. Reminiscent of port wines from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, this wine is made from traditional Portuguese varieties. This port is sure to compliment a multitude of desserts; but is divine enough to be enjoyed on its own. Download Tasting Notes
Featured Products
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2021 Limited Release Fiano
$30.00
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2020 Limited Release Grenache Blanc
$30.00
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2020 Limited Release Albariño
$30.00