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2018 Red Blend
Description
Winemaking Notes
The 2018 ROWEN red blend is a lush and elegant wine consisting of wonderful high elevation, mountain fruit. The wine has aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and sweet toasted oak from the co-fermented Viognier. On the palate, the wine is balanced and structured from the Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of juicy cassis, light floral and sweet vanilla. Co-fermenting the Syrah with the Viognier is a classic Northern Rhone technique which adds an exotic floral element to the finished wine as well as a rounder mouthfeel. Enjoy this wine now with sharp cheeses and charcuterie, grilled filet mignon, cocoa dusted chocolate torte or cellar for enjoyment for years to come.
History
Early winter showers were followed by a warm, dry beginning to the new growing season, setting the stage for an early bud break. Alternating overcast days and heat waves continued through spring and summer, with a particularly hot period in late June, and an unseasonal rain in July. We harvested the grapes at peak ripeness from September 6 through September 23 under ideal conditions.
The Vineyards
Bordeaux varietals thrive on steep terrain and volcanic soil and, our Cooley Ranch is precisely the kind of landscape they love, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,040 feet. Cooley Ranch is blessed with a bright red, volcanic-based soil that is sought after for its high-quality grape-growing potential. Also, due to being above the fog line, Cooley warms up during harvest to allow for hotter growing temperatures and extra tannin development. All of this provides beautifully ripened fruit and balanced acidity.
For ROWEN wines, we analyzed over 200 soil samples from across the 20,000-acre property and found the best 200 acres to plant grapes. The grapes we meticulously harvest from these acres reflect the best of our superior lots of Bordeaux varietals, which flourish in more rugged conditions and capture the distinctive influences of high-elevation and cool Pacific breezes.
