Winemaker's Notes
In 2020 we had to re-think the blend for this because of the August Walbridge fire. Due to the proximity to fresh, reactive smoke, we lost the major Syrah component outside of Forestville that would normally compliment and balance the Grenache. So, we brought in some of our family Zinfandel – only to find that the Zin and the Grenache were more similar than complimentary. Fortunately, a bit of Syrah arrived from another site to complete the package and a new paradigm was born.
Last year’s notes on this new paradigm were cautiously optimistic. Having watched the 2020 blend over the past year has encouraged me that in this case if you don’t get what you thought you wanted, you may actually get more of what you needed in the first place. I feel that this has been an advance in our Rosé style. I’m grateful for being shaken up enough to re-think what I have been doing, despite being sad about the cost for so many in the North Coast due to the two major fires that fall (Walbridge in Sonoma County and Glass in Napa, respectively).
About 60% Grenache, with the remainder nearly shared by Zinfandel and Syrah, I am ecstatic by the result. Plums, hibiscus, rose petal and a trace of vanilla (with no new oak anywhere, though) are on the initial aromas. Bracing acidity meets the first impression by mouth which is akin to a sparkling wine without bubbles. Without the bubbly angles that a sparkling wine would bring, this still wine has all the angles one needs for balance.
Judi Scherrer –
Vinous – August 2022
The 2021 Dry Rosé lives up to its name. Crisp and refreshing, this Rosé of Grenache, Zinfandel and Syrah has enough character to drink well as both an aperitif and at the dinner table. Cranberry, white pepper and bright acids liven up the finish. 90 points. Antonio Galloni