Winemaker Notes
Complex, hypnotic, and haunting, the aromas of this wine evoke notions of redwood forest floor, with notes of loamy earth and wet granite. Layers of black tea and sarsaparilla mingle with rhubarb and fennel. On the palate, flavors of black raspberry and marionberry are supported by energetic nerve and tension, with hints of savory olive merging on the long, riveting finish.
Production
The 2021 vintage on Red Mountain will be famous for its warm growing season and its drought conditions, which combined to produce historically low yields. While budbreak was two weeks ahead of normal thanks to a warm, dry spring, blustery weather during flowering caused some shatter leading to very low yields. A late-June heatwave led to incredible phenolic development, while a second heatwave during veraison spurred the vines towards early ripening. Harvest started early, with ideal weather throughout September and October, and concluded two weeks ahead of schedule without any pressure from frost or rain. Due to the low yields and intense midsummer heat, our 2021 wines are displaying incredible power, ripeness and concentration.