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The 2020 Broken Earth Signature Merlot embodies the charm and character of Paso Robles. This rendition of the classic Bordeaux varietal is the complete package. On the nose, this wine presents an exciting bouquet of blueberries, plum, dark cherry, and tobacco. The palate has a balanced structure with moderate acidity and a velvety tannin structure that is held together by an understated oak profile. The 2020 Merlot is a testament to our commitment to crafting wines that display elegance and varietal correctness while being approachable for novice wine drinkers yet deeply layered and engaging enough for seasoned wine enthusiasts. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of dishes, this Merlot exemplifies the quality that Broken Earth strives for, as well as the prowess of the Paso Robles AVA Download Tasting Notes
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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
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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. 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.
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The unique climate of our Paso Robles vineyard allows us to ripen all of the Rhône varieties that go into this blend to perfection. This CdR is our expression of blends from the famous region of the Rhone Valley in France. CdR is a blend of four varieties: Petite Sirah (53%), Syrah (22%), Grenache (16%) and Viognier (9%). Viognier is, of course, a white variety but the grapes are co-fermented with Syrah to greatly enhance texture and mouth-feel in the wine. Breathe in deeply the luscious floral bouquet and spices, both handed down by Petite Sirah and Syrah. The Grenache lends Bing cherry and red fruit flavors on the palate while the Viognier adds to the acidity and melds well with the supple tannins. The oak offers a subtle vanilla spice while the toast from the barrel adds caramel characteristics for you to enjoy at the end and even after the wine is gone. Download Tasting Notes
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The Viognier and Syrah fruit were harvested together, destemmed and crushed to fermenters in order to co-ferment rather than be blended later. Untoasted French oak fermentation “rice” was added to assist in color and flavor extraction. The ferment was completed after 14 days. Each fermenter received 2 “pump-overs” each day, a process that circulates fermentation juice over the skins to ensure complete extraction of sugars and anthocyanins. The fermented grapes were pressed off the skins and the wine left to settle. Oak adjuncts, rather than barrels, best enhance the savory-like characteristics of this style. The choice was Suber Laffort “dominoes,” heavy toasted French oak and added from April to July of 2017. This wine has smoky and dark fruit aromas with a gentle low-tannic mouthfeel and a soft finish, highlighting on notes of cherry, coffee, and chocolate. Pair this wine with meats like fried bacon or roast pork with a blackberry glaze. Download Tasting Notes
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Broken Earth produces a number of Rhone style blends and our estate Syrah block is a critical component of each of them. Typically, a parcel of Viognier fruit is “co-fermented”with Syrah to add both texture, fruit and assist with color stability. This ferment is normally around 12-15% Viognier but is diluted to less than 3% in the final Rhone blends. However, the winemaker recognized a great opportunity as the ferment was being pressed to present something special to our Wine Club members. A small volume was retained and bottled separately. Download Tasting Notes