Description
Winemaker Notes:
This wine blends fruit from all the different sections of our estate vineyard. It truly encompasses the entire breadth of expression at Bethel Heights from the youthful exuberance of our youngest vines planted in 2002 to the brooding, earthy complexity of our old own-rooted vines that have been knitting themselves into our landscape for forty years.Aromas of black cherry and black pepper over subtle hints of cassis, sandalwood and cola. The palate is broad and brooding; the heat of 2015 brought on thicker skins and the resulting added structure is apparent in this young wine, but vibrant acidity helps keep the young wine in balance. This should age gracefully for a decade or more.
2015 was characterized by early bud- break, early bloom, plenty of sunshine and a big heat spike in early August. A hot summer like this can push potential alcohols, forcing an early harvest that precludes hang time. But September brought mercifully cool temperatures and chilly evenings. Sugar accumulation was arrested and the vineyard was allowed to develop flavor. Not overripe flavors. Not high alcohol flavors, but instead the integrated, intense, and focused flavors only afforded by generous hang time at cool temperatures.
Critical Acclaim: 92 Wine Enthusiast
This robust, muscular wine is packed with black cherry fruit. New French oak swathes the outstanding fruit in comforting flavors of mocha and butterscotch. It's smooth and seductive, with a kiss of dark chocolate on the finish.
Editors' Choice
Item Special Note
*This is for pick-up only.