If there’s a superstar site in Petaluma Gap, it’s Gap’s Crown Vineyard, with persisting winds and fog, instructing nature to insure long hang time. The result shows in this exciting, whole cluster red, aged 15 months in (45% new) French oak. A pinch of earthy tones barely touches cinnamon cherries. Its delicacy alights on the palace like a lace veil. Pomegranate is spiced with clove and acidity is bright. Freshness is imparted, satisfying on the dark-fruited, juicy finish.
Aromas of lemon-lime sorbet are followed by herbal notes splashed with grapefruit and lime chiffon. Strikingly crisp and stoney, with a hint of graham cracker, spiced green tea, and mint.
Soils on a rocky hillside from Titus Estate on Ehlers Lane with some fruit from the home ranch delivers a majestic red. Dark chocolate flows out of a flourless chocolate cake like melting lava. Fennel top notes glide over suede tannins, while aromas and flavors of cigar box linger. Espresso and a mineral hint on the palate combine with fleshy, plum pit and cinnamon-blackberry pulled from the soil.
From a family owned 60-acre vineyard and winery in St. Helena, here’s a Cab Franc that fits this column, rich and graceful as a grande dame. It’s bathed in chocolate lavender and brandied red fruit. From a very warm year, it developed maturity early and is apparent by its mouthfeel, cloaked in silky tannins. Mediterranean herbs have an underlying presence, adding a subtle spice to ripe raspberry on the finish.
A lushly generous licorice-coated blockbuster, flooding the palate with blackberry preserves and sprinkled with black pepper. An accomplished mountain Cab with gracious tannins and balanced oak.
Black-peppered cherries, graphite, tobacco, and roasted coffee are greeted by arching tannins which demonstrate a fine backbone for this juicy, demonstrative red.
Produced by Scheid Family Vineyards and sustainably farmed, a small touch of Viognier, Pinot Manseng, and Pinot Blanc are added in, with a balanced abv of 13.5%. Toasty, with vanilla marshmallow and baked pear. Rich and viscous with fine acidity.
The wine is produced by Scheid Family Wines and sustainably farmed. Two percent Syrah is blended in. It exhibits an earthy, woodsy start, with cherry cedar and cinnamon red tea. Silky and juicy.