90 Points - Wine Enthusiast
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%
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
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