Winemaker Notes:
This wine shows intense ripe cherry, raspberry, cranberry,
and strawberry with a touch of rhubarb. Next to the fruit is a dark chocolate element
which complements the herbal tones. Additionally,
there is a spicy character offering some cinnamon and clove along with some
strong earthy characters and licorice. The
mouth feel is very smooth showing the red fruits and forest floor tones. The tannins are very soft and offer a nice
finish. A wine with many layers and nuisances.
Vintage:
Starting with a mild winter we rolled into an early spring. In late March we started seeing temps in the
70’s with just a few cooler days to follow.
The spring conditions led to excellent fruit set and ultimately a bountiful
crop. The summer, for Virginia, was very
mild with only a few days of hot humid conditions. The Autumn was particularly dry with warm
days and cool nights. From mid-September to early October, we experienced very
little rain which is invaluable for maturing grapes. I believe the 2019 vintage to be the best I
have experienced in Virginia for my tenure here.
Blend
100% Chambourcin
Harvest
The Amherst Chambourcin was harvested on 29 September at 23.2
brix, 3.95 pH and 4.55 g/L TA. The
Markham Chambourcin was harvested on 5 October at 21.1 brix, 3.61 pH and
6.77g/L TA.
Vineyard Source:
Lazy Days Vineyard, Amherst, VA – 58%
Leeds Manor Vineyards, Markham, VA – 42%
Fermentation
The Amherst Chambourcin fermented in stainless steel for 4
days with Rhone 2056 Yeast. The Markham
Chambourcin fermented in stainless steel for 4 days with Fermavin A33 Yeast.
Aging
Predominantly Neutral French Oak
Bottling Date
13 April 2021 – 563 cases
Release Date
May 2021
Technical Information
12.0% Alc.
3.73 pH
4.67 g/L TA
0.075% RS (dry)
