Winemaker's Notes
This is a very important wine to me personally as several family members and I drink a glass of it as much or more than anything else I make (I’m not yet required to log this data at this point). Depending upon the characteristics of the components (and vintage twist), the basic proportion of this is usually around half Grenache, with the other half made up of Zinfandel and Syrah. In 2023 the optimal proportion was about 53% Grenache, 34% Syrah and 13% Zinfandel. Each variety is harvested and vinified separately. Just before bottling, they are blended in ‘the right’ proportions. And, my how they harmonize in 2023! For the first time in over a decade with this type of blend, we had an excess of Grenache beyond the optimal proportion and have withheld several barrels to bottle separately which is a very exciting wine in its own right. Usually, it is an excess of Syrah, if anything. But not this year. Every year has its own slant.
Tart red cherry is the theme here. There’s a trace of strawberry, hibiscus and some red plum nuances as well, but cherry is unquestionably the main theme. Components for this were harvested independently, and I am thrilled at how lively and pretty this wine is. It’s the second vintage for two of its components and my what a vintage it was! No stress, all success.
