“It opens in exotic floral and spice, with a juicy midpalate around soft, rounded tannins and smoothly integrated oak. It provides extraordinary value for the quality.” 92pts

-Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, July 2015

2013 summed up to be a perfect vintage with clear sunny days and cool evenings.  This produced a long, moderate growing season with extended hang time and even ripening, resulting in silky tannins and a full range of flavors while retaining natural acidity.

The 2013 Claret aged for 12 months in 22% new French & American oak barrels (Demptos and Canton) and aged sur lies with monthly bâtonnage to coat the tannins and smoothly integrate the wood.  This wine was lightly fined with egg whites and bottled without filtration in January 2015.

Our Claret follows the Bordelaise model of blending different Bordeaux varietals. Malolactic fermentation is completed in barrel, and the blend is assembled early so it is “elevated” as the finished wine.  The 2013 blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 3% Syrah, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.