2019 PETITE SIRAH

This special wine comes from the oldest vines on our home estate, Wine Creek Ranch. They were planted in the early- to mid-1970s in the traditional style of the time as Head Trained, Spur Pruned. Known simply as Block 9, these vines over the passing decades have been lovingly nurtured and, when Mother Nature looks kindly on us, we produce a limited amount of this offering.

WINEMAKING NOTES
Picking by hand occurred at daybreak, followed by both field sorting and then sorting again at the winery. After gentle destemming, with no crushing or pumping of the grapes, the fruit was directly transferred into the fermenter.
Fermentation commenced naturally after 5 days of cool soaking at 55-59F. Manual punchdowns were done 2-4 times per day, primarily during the peak of fermentation to distribute and disperse heat. Total skin contact time was 14 days. After draining and then basket-pressing, the wine was transferred to a mix of new and used cooperage, of both French and American oak, all air-dried for 3-4 years and lightmedium toast. Barrel aging, with periodic racking and blending, lasted 18 months.

THE WINE
The color is inky dark and brooding with notes of winter herbs that jump out of the glass. Purple basil, oregano and a hint of mint sit on a base of forest floor and brown mushroom. Then in the mouth the wine is big, soft and voluptuous. Black fruit flavors and ripe blueberry with dark chocolate and toasted coconut. This variety can be very tannic and hard when young, but not this wine. It envelops the palate like a warm blanket by the fire. All at once soft and big, but also clean and fresh.


Made with Organically Grown Grapes

TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County
VINEYARDS: 100% Wine Creek Ranch, CCOF-certified organic