Winemaker Notes
This unique vineyard has produced an age-worthy wine with robust, yet well-integrated tannins, an elegant and silky texture, good acidity, and a long fruit finish. The aroma is forward with blueberry, plum, and chocolate accented by dried herbs and toasted oak. The flavors are bright with blackberry, dark cherry and cranberry followed by white pepper, cedar, and sage.
Production
The 2003 growing season was marked by a cool, wet spring. As summer approached, carry-over moisture resulted in vigorous vine growth. A heat spike at the early part of flowering caused some shatter that resulted in reduced yields. Summer and early fall were relatively mild, but a flourish of heat at the latter part of harvest accelerated the ripening of fruit. The season ended with an extended mild period, allowing harvest to conclude at a relaxed pace.