Our smallest production wines highlight a particular aspect of our vineyard, whether it be a special block or clone. A wine is produced only when the vintage and fruit quality warrants bottling.
Appellation: Chamisal Vineyard, Edna Valley
Varietal: 100% Grenache
Clones: Noir, Alban
Oak treatment: 100% French oak (40% new)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Cases made: 250
Release date: October, 2006
Retail price: $80.
Not available online. Please contact tastingroom@chamisalvineyards.com for availability.
$80.
Not available online. Please contact tastingroom@chamisalvineyards.com for availability.THE VINEYARD
Chamisal was the first vineyard planted in the Edna Valley in 1973 and now contains 80 acres planted to 5 varieties and 25 clonal selections. The nearby Pacific ocean creates a long temperate growing season for exceptional hang time, which combines with the calcareous, clay-rich soil to produce fruit with exceptional intensity and complex flavors.
VINTAGE
If there is such a thing, 2003 amounted to a fairly typical growing year in the Edna Valley, with an early bud-break, and consequently early flowering and fruit set. This gave the fruit an exceptionally long hang time. Cooler temps during bloom period and a small amount of rain in April contributed to naturally low crop load. In particular, DA Grenache quality was enhanced by this combination of conditions, as it naturally sets a heavy crop and requires a long growing season to develop physiological ripeness.
WINEMAKING
We crafted this bottling from 100% Grenache and utilized VSP trellising, aggressive shoot thinning, leaf pulling and fruit thinning to combat the traditional Grenache vigor. We used Grenache and Native yeast, fermenting in four-ton, open-top fermenters and punching down three times daily, before aging in 100% French oak barrels (40% new). The vintage is unfiltered and unfined.
CLONAL SELECTION
Noir and Alban clones comprise this vintage.
TASTING NOTES
The wine opens with exotic notes of violets and blueberries. Led by bright, clean fruit lightly layered with flowers and fresh herbs, this seductive Grenache titillates the palate with its depth and silkience. The finish features a solid core of firm acidity that promises a long and elegant life in the glass and the cellar.
