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%
Dark ruby red in the glass, and good swirl on the nose offers generous aromatics of cassis, black cherry and spice. Generously oaked, with crushed blackberry, baked plums, baking spices, and Turkish fig. A supple body, gives way to red and dark fruit like plum, blueberry compote, prune, with anise and light spice on the finish.
92 Points
Lofty aromas of ripe red fruits layered with notes of crushed violets, berry cobbler, cherry and creme brulee leading into crushed blackberry with cassis, mocha, leather, mineral, and baking spice. Its all encompassing and bold mouthfeel are outstanding, as deep tannins dance around the palate, finishing with flavors of blackberry, fig, and pipe tobacco.
Exceptional
Aromas of bright oak, essence of lilac, toasted brioche and sage delight your senses. Flavors are just as complex with hints of soft melted butter, quince, fig, and a touch of lavender that titillate your taste buds. Its delightful texture is balanced by great acidity, leading to a long satisfying finish. Truly a chardonnay lovers Chardonnay.
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