Current Release
2018 Grenache, John Sebastiano Vineyard 750ML
This dramatic hillside site on the border of the Sta. Rita Hills is one of the coolest sites planted to Rhône varietals in all of California. Grenache grows on a steep, south-east facing hillside of almost pure sand on the eastern edge of the block and slightly heavier sandy clay loam toward the west and at the bottom of the block. The block is typically picked very late but at relatively low sugar levels for Grenache. These grapes produce a cool, energetic, mineral-laden wine with juicy, high toned, aromatic red fruits, fresh herbs, and good structure for aging. We pay extra to have our blocks organically farmed here.
The very cool 2018 Vintage required us to wait a long time to pick these stubborn grapes (Grenache can handle a good deal of heat). Ultimately, we waited until early November for the grapes to be ripe enough to be picked. The stems were less ripe than in some other years, and so we decided to destem all of the fruit for this wine. After a long cool fermentation, the wine was aged in large barrels (1200L Muid and 600L Demi-Muid) to preserve fruit character and allow slow evolution. The resulting wine is harmonious, with a great sensation of plush fruit on the pallet and great length and lift from energetic acidity and polished tannins.
Extremely Limited. Only 140 cases produced.
The very cool 2018 Vintage required us to wait a long time to pick these stubborn grapes (Grenache can handle a good deal of heat). Ultimately, we waited until early November for the grapes to be ripe enough to be picked. The stems were less ripe than in some other years, and so we decided to destem all of the fruit for this wine. After a long cool fermentation, the wine was aged in large barrels (1200L Muid and 600L Demi-Muid) to preserve fruit character and allow slow evolution. The resulting wine is harmonious, with a great sensation of plush fruit on the pallet and great length and lift from energetic acidity and polished tannins.
Extremely Limited. Only 140 cases produced.
Wine Profile
| Vintage | 2018 |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Grenache |
| Size | 750 ml |