Tasting Notes
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Deep purple-violet color unveils a pleasing nose of cherry vanilla cola, blackberry liqueur, teriyaki and a hint of sweet bourbon barrel. Dense flavors of dried blueberry, tart blackberry and dark chocolate are evident in the forefront. Toasted dill, salted beef jerky and savory herb envelop the mid-palate. Our full bodied, rich Petite Sirah finishes with layered notes of Italian roast co ffee, cocoa nibs and roasted fig. Fourteen months aging in French and American oak give our Petite Sirah a complexity and style. Serve this complex yet graceful red with smoked, barbecued, or grilled beef or pork, bold Mexican foods with red sauces, and dry, strong cheeses.
The Clarksburg AVA is an up and coming wine region located in California’s Sacramento Delta. Originally known for row crops like the Sugar Beet, the area was quickly discovered by grape growers attracted by a microclimate which closely mirrored that of nearby Napa Valley. The soils here are a combination of poorly-draining clay and rich loam, meaning vines experience nutrient-rich, yet sometimes arid conditions. During the growing season, warm days give way to cooling afternoon breezes from the San Francisco Bay, dropping temperatures down 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit from their daytime highs. This mass of cool air allows wine grapes to retain more acidity than those grown in similarly warm regions.
The majority of our 2014 Petite Sirah was harvested from Lake Winchester Vineyard. The grapes cultivated here are Clone 3, very fruit-forward and well-balanced. Located in the northern end of Clarksburg, the cooler climate here allows for extended hang time which is a key ingredient in thick skins and the inky color it produces.
The 2014 vintage was on par with the year prior, moderate rains came in early spring to start the growing season. Perfectly warm and dry weather persisted into the summer, with ideal temperatures and only a few heat spikes, providing for great harvest conditions. Clarksburg is a special place in California, winemakers and growers don’t need to worry about the statewide drought here due to the large ow of water coming through the Delta. This appellation is unique in the fact that if you dig four to six feet into the ground, you will find an abundance of water. The fruit that came o the vine in 2014 had developed great color, concentrated flavors and balanced structure and acidity.
Sourced from the upcoming Clarksburg appellation, The Crusher is a tribute to the fundamental relationship between the grower and the winemaker. From the vineyard to the crusher to your table, The Crusher captures the freshness of this world-class growing region, which is just beginning to emerge on the wine scene.
