The Taste

Boysenberry, Star Anise, Cured Meats

The Science

The Magic

• 5 days cold soak; 30% whole cluster
• Fermented 12 days in open-top plastic bins
• Aged 11 months in French oak (40% new)
• Bottled unfiltered

The Alchemists

George Troquato, Winemaker & Alejandro Aldama, Cellar Master

The Grape

Mourvèdre is a Southern Rhone, thick-skinned variety often used in GSM blends. The fruit produces big, juicy wines with a hearty amount of extract and strong structure.

The Land

Sandy Lane Vineyard overlooks the Sacramento Delta and benefits from the cooling effects of the water. Planted in the early part of the 19th century, these gnarly, head-trained, spur-pruned vines are dry farmed in soils as sandy as any beach.

The Season

In early 2015, California experienced 30% more rainfall than in prior years, easing concerns over a possible fourth consecutive drought. Bud break in March was normal, but May was cold and wet, disrupting bloom and reducing crop loads up to 40% in some areas. Despite this, the vintage produced wines that are more structured, ensuring greater ageability.