This vintage is marked by a cooler, more extended ripening of these grapes. Whereas we are usually picking this vineyard in early to mid-August, this pick date was September. It must be said that I loved the ’15 vintage, a drought vintage with low yields, fruit intensity, and very warm temperatures. Given the extended ripening of the ‘16’s, this is also what I would call a Great Vintage.

A medium bright and clear ruby, it always strikes me that the aromatics are almost velvety with raspberry, plum and spice. A hint of rhubarb pie, mushroom in warm composted earth. The flavors come forth with a dignified intensity of raspberry, cherry, plum and sandalwood, a Sauvage aspect that intrigues. Hard to say if it’s totally fruit driven, or herbal, or warm earth. Complex is the word… One of a kind, as always. A piece of Rare Earth in a higher dimension. Silken, elegant and distinguished, simply magnificent, as always. I just guide it…. Pair with any complex subtly spiced Asian dishes.
– Nikolai Stez, Winemaker

Harvested September 2, 2016

Bottled May 19, 2018

PH 3.65

TA .671g/100ml

13.9% Alcohol

Gold Medal Winner, 90 PTS, 2021 American Fine Wine Competition, June 2021