2019 Gran Reserva
Blend: 80% Tempranillo, 20% Graciano
Vineyard & AVA: Paper Street Vineyard in the Willow Creek District, Paso Robles CA.
Alcohol: 15.5%
Aging: Drink now through 2033
Vinification: Aged 22 Months on the lees in 35% new 500L American Oak puncheons, 18% new 265L French Oak barriques, 47% once used 228L French Oak barriques
Vision
In Spain, only a wine that uses fruit of the highest quality, crafted under the most stringent vinification practices, and aged for a extended period of time in both barrel & bottle are allowed to bear the distinction of being a “Gran Reserva” … and ours is no different. Tempranillo is Spain’s viticultural gift to world of wine, and thanks to the soils and climate of Westside Paso, this varietal is just as at home here as it is in the Old Country of the Spanish countryside.
We’ve sourced the highest quality Tempranillo grapes from anywhere in the United States, and carefully mentored them on their journey from grape juice to wine, and finally allowing their fledging beauty to mature in 100% new French oak barriques for a full 3 years, ensuring that the complexities of the fruit and the nuance of the oak become inseparably integrated. We believe this wine is an impeccable representation of who we are and what we do, and will entice the palate, exhilarate the nose, and intrigue the soul now and for many years to come, should you choose to cellar this stallion of a wine.
Vintage Notes
Overall, thanks to a relatively temperate growing season, the timing of the 2021 harvest is about a week or two later than in recent years, with most growers pulling the first of the core white wine grapes in late August. While the region has seen smoke from wildfires up north, it didn't affect the vineyards in Paso Robles.
The ongoing drought conditions are presenting growers with a double-edged sword of sorts. The good news is the dry conditions this vintage created smaller, more concentrated grapes, which is ideal for winemaking. While yields are lower, it produces more flavors, bolder colors, strong acidity, and manageable tannins. These conditions have winemakers feeling it's an epic vintage for quality.
Tasting Notes
Clean and brilliant, deep ruby red wine, very perfumed with mature fruit aromas. Complex and elegant. Satin textured, showing fine tannins and a seductive leather palate. Sleek and refined finish.
The inspiration for this wine is found in the bigger fruit forward Tempranillo's of the Rioja region in Spain. The 21 vintage showed tremendous balance, freshness, and approachability. As a result we bottled this wine ahead of the typical aging window of 28 to 32 months that it sometimes sees.