| TASTE BENCHMARKS |
| |
Profile #1
|
| Appearance |
Quite dark and vibrant. |
| Aroma |
Strawberry jam and lavendar reflect the arid high desert chaparral. |
| Flavor |
Rustic tannins |
| Balance |
Strong minerality from limestone and organic practices. |
| PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS |
| Oenological |
Minimalist philosophy and extensive ageing lead to somewhat elevated volatile acidity in this area. The anti-oxidative power of high tannins and mineral energy gives the wines great longevity but may also cause them to be closed and even reductive in youth, and thus extensive ageing in old wood is required. |
| Viticultural |
Minimum tillage practices prevent erosion and add to minerality in the wines. |
| Terroir |
One of the few enclaves in California with true limestone underlying in places the granitic soils. High altitude gives long days and high incident light. |