The Cliff Notes: Vibrant deep garnet in color, on the nose it’s cherry pastry, spice, olive oil, and white pepper. On the palate it’s an unbridled, full throttle, red with good linear acidity. Full and structurally elegant, the wine’s lifted by floral and anchored by tannin with a smooth grip. Get it air and it smells like Burgundy. Classic.
The Story: Antoinette Carriere was my maternal grandmother. When we were at the farm, she was the point from which food and warmth emanated. She was the fall harvest. She was the cornucopia from which prodigeous meals and laughter and cards and a family solid, spilled. I am pleased to be able to offer this pinnacle of elegance from my cellar in her name.
Cases Produced: 98
The Building of: Small-lot wild yeast fermentations, 100% barrel aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (one new, two once-filled, one twice-filled). Bottled, unfined and unfiltered in April 2007.
Ageability: Decant to get it air within its first three years. Well cellared, you should anticipate additional complexity during its first 10 years with a potential 12- to 20-year drinking horizon.
Alcohol: 13.75%
pH: 3.53
Vineyards: Temperance Hill's (26-year-old) later and cooler high-elevation vines deliver old vine complexity with fresh acidity. The four best barrels became this wine. The vines are from the front block east, the oldest at Temperance, and their massive root systems go deep to deliver both high flavor and nuance to the limited yield.
Available for purchase Nov. 10th. Supplies are limited. To download our PDF order form, Click Here.
