Winemaker Notes
 

2009 Cherry Red
62% Zinfandel, 20% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah

Fall 2011 release.

2009 Problem Child
76% Zinfandel, 15% Syrah 9% Mourvèdre

The one and only Problem Child. Born in 2009, this uncontainable fruit explosion of sweet cranberries, currants and plum quickly lunges to center stage. Managed gracefully by the soft and lush syrah and animal instincts of mourvedre, this Problem Child is not out of control, but expressing its desire for individuality. A trivial pursuit of flavors that continue to dance gracefully around the ring and, as expected, triumph over all challenges of submission. The Problem Child is great now, but will become victorious in the months to come. Drink through 2014.

2009 Outsider
78% Zinfandel, 20% Syrah, 2% Mourvèdre

2011 release.

2009 Sticks & Stones
64% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah

Sitting in the dark corner of the upper deck, watching with a steady eye, Sticks and Stones studies the ring and finds that gracefulness is king. While young and exuberant, the bright grenache screams to be heard and contained. Not often do you see a wine so balanced that not even a heavyweight can knock it off its feet. Raspberries spill from the glass with quenching acidity and purity of focus. Drink now through 2016.

2009 Rising Tides
40% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah, 30% Grenache

Neatly disguised as an underdog, this vintage shows it has been working out with mourvedre dominating the blend. This will will hit its mark with boysenberry liquor, fig, and leather. This wine drinks nicely now and for the next six years.

2009 Slacker
65% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre

 
Fall 2011 release.

2009 Nemesis
87% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 3% Grenache

 Fall 2011 release.

2009 Overthinker
45% Grenache, 33% Syrah, 22% Mourvèdre

Fall 2011/Spring 2012 release.

2009 Screwball
70% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 5% Grenache

Fall 2011/Spring 2012 release.

2009 Contrarian
62% Viognier, 18% Roussanne, 12% Grenache Blanc, 8% Picpoul Blanc

Tangy, rich, floral. The 2009 Contrarian smells like Spring flowers and fruits: apple blossom and honeysuckle, lychee nut and white peach all mingle with hints of flint and slate, macadamias and cashews. Upon tasting, the most endearing characteristic is its mouth-coating, creamy, glycerin-like texture. Flavors of green apple and lemon pound cake jump out front and are complimented by a finish that once again showcases a limestone minerality and honeyed nuttiness. With crisp acidity and medium body, this wine promises to hold its own as a glass by itself but would be complemented by acidic cheeses (goat's milk!), stone fruits or fresh shellfish.

Summer 2010 release - sold out.