Classic Tier Reserve Tier Limited Release Wines
AlbariñoCarneros Estate Cabernet Franc
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Alexander Valley Chardonnay
Carneros Chardonnay
Napa Valley Gewurztraminer
San Benito County
Select Late Harvest Pinot Noir
Carneros
 |
Carneros is the perfect cool New World Climate to try Spain's most famous white grape. Albariño loves cool weather and ripens late. For these reasons we picked one of the coolest spots on our Estate vineyard where Milliken Peak protects the vines from any late afternoon sun. The vineyards required some careful morning side leaf removal and irrigation management to insure enough “hang time” to get even and complete berry ripening. Too few leaves on the vine do not generate enough energy for world-class flavors and the berries may become sun burned. Too many leaves and the berries end up shaded and not as fruity. The temperate application of irrigation water maintained a healthy canopy of leaves that thrive all season. Winemaking Following hand harvesting, the grapes were destemmed into the press and given sixteen hours of skin contact to enhance both mouthfeel and varietal character. Following pressing, the wine was fermented either in stainless steel or old white barrels. The barrel fermented half was stored sur lie for six months with lees stirring for the first two months. This wine has not undergone malolactic fermentation. Tasting Notes Clean crisp elegant lime, kiwi, mango and peach flavors shine. A clean refreshing tingle and flinty wet stone minerality make this wine a connoisseur’s delight. Alcohol content, 13.0% by volume. 298 cases produced. |