Winemaker
Notes:
An explosive concentration of ripe fruit accentuated with blackberry,
blueberry, raspberry, and dark cherry followed by figs, dates, and plum. There is a welcoming hint of cocoa (chocolate
is always welcome) that pairs well with the fruit, along with some vanilla,
cinnamon and clove lending a quaint perfumed nuance. The tannins are nice and firm yet
approachable. The oak is well integrated
with the tannins and fruit. Overall a
well balanced wine that lingers on the palette.
This wine should age well and pair wonderfully with lamb and roasted
vegetables.
Vintage:
The 2015 vintage had some scary moments but ultimately we
came through unscathed. Some low temps
in early Spring had us all concerned about frost. Additionally we also saw some heavy rains in
the early spring keeping the viticulture team on their toes. The summer came on with little rain and
average temperatures for the state. The
rain then came back with a vengeance in late September to early October. Overall though the growing season was long
and did allow for good ripening.
Determining the best day to pick was the key to success. I think we will see some good wines from Virginia
vineyards for 2015
Blend
87% Petit Verdot, 11% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc
Harvest
The Petit Verdot was harvested on 9 Sept. 2015 at 24.9 brix,
3.42 pH and 6.26g/L TA. The malbec was
harvested on 18 Sept. 2015 at 21.0 brix, 3.70 pH and 7.24g/L TA. The cabernet franc was harvested on 24 Sept.
2015 at 22.1 brix, 3.98 pH and 4.12g/L TA.
Vineyard Source:
Wessex
Hundred, Williamsburg, VA – Petit Verdot
Mt. Juliet Farm, Crozet, VA
– Malbec and Cabernet Franc
Fermentation
The petit verdot was cold soaked for 3 days and then
fermented in stainless steel for 5 days with D254 Yeast. The Malbec was cold soaked for 12 days then
fermented in ½ ton bins for 5 days with D254 yeast. The Cabernet Franc was cold soaked for 4 days
then fermented in stainless steel for 6 days with D254 yeast.
Aging
25% New French Oak, 25% 1 year French Oak, 38% 2 year French
Oak and 12% 3 year French Oak.
Bottling Date
17 January 2015 – 192 cases
Release Date
7 October 2015
Technical
Information
12.3% Alc.
3.85 pH
.610 g/L TA
0.35% RS (Dry)
