'07 Grenache

Opens with earthy spice, strawberry jam and white cherry notes. Aromas of candied apples and rose petals develop as the wine breathes. Full of fruit flavors, with white cherry, strawberry jam and watermelon, followed by a long mid palate and round, supple tannins.

Cool winter temperatures throughout the Central Coast brought an early bud break in 2007. Scarce rainfall and a light spring frost naturally limited yields, which resulted in smaller, more concentrated berries. Harvest began in early September, followed by cool temperatures that resulted in extended hang time for the grapes. Warmer weather in late autumn ushered in excellent sugar and flavor development, with harvest wrapping up in early November.

The grapes for this Grenache were de-stemmed, without crushing, and cold soaked for three days to maximize color and flavor extraction. The grapes were whole-berry fermented in open-top fermenters for 12 days at a maximum temperature of 75°F. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and sur lie aging and will continue to develop for an additional three years in the bottle.