Growing Conditions
The 2015 growing season is the latest in a trend of being the warmest on record for our valley. Bud break occurred at the end of March, which is about a week earlier than usual. High temperatures peaked at the end of June and were steady throughout the course of the summer. A cooling trend arrived as the grapes began to go through veraison, allowing them to ripen perfectly. For the first time ever, harvest began in August and was followed by optimal weather patterns for the remainder of the year.
Nose
Ripe Plum skin and black tea are front and center in this warmer vintage, followed by undertones of tomato leaf and brambles.
Palate
Generous dark fruit abounds on the palate with dense layers of black cherry and fig preceding notes of cracked pepper and fennel seed on the finish. Deep intensity and lush tannins make this a wine to enjoy now and savor for years to come.
Aging
100% French oak; 62% neutral, 38% new
Harvest
Vineyards: 52% Seven Hills, 39% Pepper Bridge, 9% Octave