2011 Sangiovese, Clear Lake, Lake County 750ml

Sporting the classic mix of light strawberry and pepper with black cherry and cranberry, our Sangiovese features a subtle yet grippy medium-weight palate with moderate acidity and earthy undertones. Made without new oak in the classic model it is both accessible in its modest, low oak style and has great purity and depth that shows Lake County’s high elevation potential with this noble grape.

2011 started slow and continued to be cool and moderate throughout with classic clear Lake County weather and pleasant warmth in summer. The real story was three inches of rain right at the beginning of harvest. Early and mid-ripening cultivars were hit hard and the unseasonably cool and highly humid conditions necessitated extra care. Those who were diligent in the field enjoyed good acid levels, low alcohol and savory tannins.

2011 Montepulciano, Tracy Hills 750ml

Late-ripening Montepulciano is widely grown throughout Central and Southern Italy where heat is necessary, but incredibly rare in California. It produces a relatively soft wine by Italian standards, weighty and dark but with moderate acid and gentle tannins. Our California version features rich plum and dark berry fruits, a dose of espresso and a hint of violet with just enough acid to balance the lush palate. Best drunk within 5 years.

2011 started slow and continued to be cool and moderate throughout with classic clear Lake County weather and pleasant warmth in summer. The real story was three inches of rain right at the beginning of harvest. Early and mid-ripening cultivars were hit hard and the unseasonably cool and highly humid conditions necessitated extra care. Those who were diligent in the field enjoyed good acid levels, low alcohol and savory tannins. The rain in Tracy Hills was only moderate, only slowing ripening without stunting it while Montepulciano’s thick skins added a layer of protection.

2011 Primitivo, Clear Lake, Lake County 750ml

Primitivo is the Italian Zinfandel grown in the area of Puglia in Southern Italy. Though they are genetically identical, Primitivo is considered to be more feminine and rustic. The characteristic red raspberry and black pepper with plum characteristics are apparent with a little rose petal and a savory earthiness that balances a touch of powdery tannin and moderate acidity. Ready to drink now but will age gently for 5 years.

2011 started slow and continued to be cool and moderate throughout with classic clear Lake County weather and pleasant warmth in summer. The real story was three inches of rain right at the beginning of harvest. Early and mid-ripening cultivars were hit hard and the unseasonably cool and highly humid conditions necessitated extra care. Those who were diligent in the field enjoyed good acid levels, low alcohol and savory tannins.

2011 Barbera, Clear Lake, Lake County 750ml

Carefully bridging the gap between Old World and New, Barbera was the first red grape we planted. It can ripen quite late and careful cultivation and cropping is a must. It must also be the ultimate food-pairing wine. With its vibrant and bright freshness, our Barbera has rich and round plum fruit front and center with red and black berries, sage and a hint of violet in the spicy and clean peppery finish. It features low oak to allow the fruit to speak for itself. Estate grown at 1,400 feet.

The 2011 vintage started slow and cool and remained moderate through summer. The real story started with three inches of rain at harvest. Those who were diligent in the vineyard enjoy a vintage with good acid levels, lower alcohol and savory tannins with an Old World inflection, great food friendliness, and very good aging potential.