Overview

Tempranillo, the "noble grape" of Spain thrives in Lodi's warm Mediterranean climate where it produces wine of dark color and soft acidity. This wine is dark ruby in color, medium-bodied in texture with good balance. Bold flavors of berries and plum dominate, with hints of spices and cherries.

This vineyard was planted as Zinfandel in 1989 and grafted to Tempranillo in 1999 by a visionary grower, the late Alan Kirschenmann. The vineyard is on the east side of Lodi, near the Mokelumne River and adjacent to Kirschenmann Road.

The vineyard soil type is very unusual. It is classified as "Kingdom Fine Sandy Loam" and consists of very deep, moderately well-drained soil formed in alluvium - ancient river bottom - derived mainly from granite mixed rock sources. How does that soil type affect the wine? No one knows.

The 2014 growing season on Lodi was on an accelerated schedule. A mild winter and early spring meant bud break and flowering was, on average, about two weeks ahead of normal. A light crop resulted in smaller berries, and minimal rainfall reduced mold and mildew problems. Harvest was ten days to two weeks earlier than 2013. The net result was very beautiful, top-quality fruit with well developed flavor and concentration.

VINEYARD

• Kirschenmann Vineyard, Lodi AVA, Mokelumne River sub-AVA
• Planed: 1989
• Soil type: Kingdom fine sandy loam
• Irrigation: Drip irrigation as needed

HARVEST

• September 10, 2014

FERMENTATION

• Stainless steel tank, primary fermentation with BRL97 yeast, twice-daily tank pump over, primary fermentation finished in barrel.

ELEVAGE

• Eighteen months, 10% new French oak, 90% neutral barrels.
• 15% ABV - pH 3.78 - TA 6.1 g/L - RS 0.4 g/L

164 CASES PRODUCED