Dashe Cellars
2018 Red Blend
, Ancient Vines
Sonoma County

90 Points - Wine Enthusiast

Loaded with old-vine character in every sip.  Combining 42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel, from vines over 130 years in age.  Dark red in color with black cherry, cassis, pomegranate, plum, cocoa, and highlights of cranberry, black pepper, tar and earth.  Velvety mouthfeel, great structure with black cherry, pomegranate, chocolate, tar and peppery spice.  Satisfies the palate with a long spicy fruit driven finish.

Drinks great now, and will easily cellar 10+ years.
Pair with fresh blue cheese, eggplant parmesan, pasta Bolognese, barbequed pork chops, and grilled steak with black peppercorn sauce.

VINEYARD
Bedrock Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the state.  Originally owned by Generals Sherman and Hooker of Civil War fame, these particular vines were planted after the vineyard changed hands in 1888, making this a notable historic vineyard.  A blend of equal quantities of Mourvèdre, Carignane, and Zinfandel, all from ancient vines, make this one of the most interesting and stylish wines produced at Dashe Cellars.

WINEMAKING
Harvested separately into ½ ton picking bins, the grapes were hand-sorted, and then fermented using the native "wild" native yeasts.  Each varietal was fermented in separate bins, and the cap "punched down" by hand four times a day.  This technique produces great fruit extraction with minimal tannins.  Gently pressed into traditional 60-gallon oak barrels, each varietal was kept separate, and blended carefully to develop texture, intensity, and balance between the acidity and spicy fruit.

Vintage:  2018
Varietals:  42% Carignane, 38% Mourvèdre and 20% Zinfandel
Vineyard:  Bedrock Vineyard
Appellation:  Sonoma County
Time in oak:  18 months in French oak
Alcohol:  13.8%

Tasting Notes  PDF

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