in the vineyard : These vineyards, nearly 25 years old, present a visual anomaly. Gnarled and far from aesthetic, they produce the tiniest berries with astonishing aromatic concentration. South facing with the most extreme slope on the farm, the wines enjoy the wintry exhalation of the Atlantic Ocean less than a stones throw away in viticultural terms. The decomposed granite soils include desirable clay elements that retain moisture during the drier months of ripening, yet, as a result of the prominent gravel fractions, allow for excellent drainage.
in the cellar : Lessons learned in 2002 paved the way for a move towards fruit retention and expression. Rigorous selection and a move away from whole bunch pressing allowed for higher quality juice with superb aromatic potential. Fermentation took place in third and fourth fill French oak Hogsheads (300l). The wine was racked to stainless steel after one month where lees contact occurred over a six-month period. A light fining to enable protein stability took place before hand bottling without filtration. A sediment may result over time. Careful decanting will allow for a clear drink and the most advantageous expression of this aromatic wine. 2800 bottles have been produced.