Summary

Vineyard planted in 1994
Vine spacing 5' x 7'
Vine density: 1245 vines per acre
Clones/selections: Swan, Pommard, Dijon 113, Wadensville 2A
Rootstock: 110R

pH: 3.56
Titratable acidity: 0.60 g/100mL
14.1% alcohol by volume
Barrel aging: 18 months, 60% new French oak
Yield: 2.2 tons of grapes per acre
264 cases produced

Vineyards and Winemaking

Adastra Vineyard is a California Certified Organic vineyard situated in the very heart of the Los Carneros appellation. Located in a low spot with cool air flow and relatively light clay-loam soils, it is a site with naturally low vigor. The inherently low yields produce extraordinary fruit from vines that require little manipulation, one of the hallmarks of an exceptional vineyard. Having worked with these grapes while making wine for another winery, we were thrilled when owner Chris Thorp offered this fruit to Talisman.

The 2005 season began a little later than normal, the result of heavy rains late in the season that delayed bloom and fruit set. We saw few of the heat spikes that normally punctuate the growing season and those that we did experience were a bit less extreme than normal. September proved cool and foggy, continuing the trend toward a later harvest than most years. When the grapes were finally picked on September 22, about two weeks later than normal for this vineyard, we saw the benefit of extended hang time manifested in the form of perfect fruit with well-developed flavor and tannin profiles.

A field blend of all of the clones was co-fermented in a single five-ton fermenter. About 25% of the grapes filled the fermenter as whole clusters and the balance were gently destemmed as whole berries. Native fermentation began six days later and pressing occurred after 33 days in vat. The must was gently punched down from three to six times each day. The wine was aged in 60% new French oak barrels (Francois Freres, Dargaud et Jaegle, Marcel Cadet, Cadus, and Remond) and bottled after 18 months in barrel.

Tasting Notes

Seductive notes of mineral, concentrated pure strawberry, and a subtle hint of violets comprise the aroma and provide a hint of the flavors to follow. The mouth opens with a silky texture and explodes into very sweet, perfectly ripe fruit and earthy minerality that adds great complexity. Overall, this wine is very elegant and exquisitely balanced. Structured, bright, and persistent, this is a beautiful wine to pair with savory dishes.