In 2001 we changed winemaking protocol for our reds to further increase the intensity of flavors. Frequent punch downs were employed as well as a method called “rack-and-return” or delestage. This process deconstructs the fruit to eventually construct a wine that magnifies the aromatics, flavors and texture. The fruit for this vintage is once again from the Thompson Vineyard in Los Alamos and the wine is 100 percent varietal as with all other past vintages. The 2001 vintage offers the same immense fruit reminiscent of ripe blackberries, blueberries and spice supported by a toasty vanilla component like the 2000 vintage. While the 2000 has a more dusty, earthy character reminiscent of older French wines, the 2001 offers more depth and weight. SOLD OUT!
Posts Tagged ‘thompson vineyard’
2001 Cabernet Franc, Santa Barbara County
Wednesday, December 2nd, 20092001 Syrah, Santa Barbara County
Thursday, November 5th, 2009
This is our signature wine. We are most fortunate to have great Syrah to deal with from the first harvest in 1994 from the Thompson Vineyard in Los Alamos. The south facing hillside location along with low tonnage produced grapes of excellent concentration, robust, dark crimson color, and equally rich flavors. We use our usual protocol for reds: cold soaked the fruit for 24 hours prior to an open top fermentation for 28 days, and employed “delestage”, a process that aerates the red grape juice must, which in turn, optimizes the aromatics, flavor and texture. The Syrah is put to barrel to age for about 20 months. The wine is intense with a generous fruit character suggesting blackberry, mulberry, and Oriental spices. Its rich, lush quality, smoky, berry bouquet is joined on the palate by a touch of toasty oak. This big, juicy wine is well matched with red meats and any hearty cuisine. Bottle Price: $30.00 ALMOST SOLD OUT!