2015 reds released and new Stockton Record article
Bob Highfill from the Stockton Record was kind enough to stop by and try our 2015 reds for the fist time from bottle. He wrote an article that can be found here:
Being the first time we've opened them since bottling I wrote up release notes. It's interesting following these young wines - they've changed since I last wrote notes from barrel and I'm sure they'll keep evolving.
Winemaker's notes on 2015 vintage red wines
For 2015 I decided to focus on Rhone varietals. I've always enjoyed how Rhone varietals (reds and whites) express themselves when grown in Lodi. I've also liked how the wines result when blended together. These three wines have changed in barrel and after bottling have again changed. I believe that as they develop bottle bouquet and age, they will continue to evolve. Following the development of these wines will be something I look forward to doing, and taking notes as I do so. All these grapes were hand-picked and fermented in half- and three quarter-ton bins, punched down as often as we could. The Grenache and Mourvedre pressed off rather light in color but I'm happy to see they've darkened up quite a bit and I'm surprised at the tannin development considering how young they are. The Syrah was very dark. They were blended before the end of the year of harvest, giving them plenty of time to integrate. All barrels were neutral and there is no oak influence - Rhone wines naturally have a lot of spicy and earthy components and oak can overpower those types of aromatics. I've emphasized low acidty, sweet fruit, and easy drinkability in these wines. I hope you enjoy drinking them as much as I've enjoyed making them.
2015 Grenache – 15.0 % alc, 100 cases produced
Medium-bodied and easy drinking. Fresh crushed grapes, cranberries, and violets greet the nose while up-front light dusty tannins and low acidity finish this wine.
$26 / bottle
2015 Mourvedre – 14.7 % alc, 100 cases produced
This Tablas Creek clone originated in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. A funky nose reminiscent of wines from this French region includes aromatics of sandalwood, pie crust, and incense. On the palate is low acidity, sweet fruit, and evenly distributed tannins.
$26 / bottle
2015 Maribor Reserve Red Wine – 15.3 % alc, 125 cases produced
A blend of 42% Syrah, 42% Mourvedre, and 16% Grenache. Dark in color and character, layered aromatics of anise, chocolate, truffles, ink, and crushed raspberries are reminiscent of a Barossa Valley GSM. An aggressive palate features full tannins and a chewy, remarkably long aftertaste.
$34 / bottle
