2022 Nero D'Avola

Winemaking for me is a constant process of learning and exploring. each new varietal and vineyard present a new opportunity to learn a new way that a grape can express itself, couple that with our always changing climate and you have an infinite puzzle. Luckily in 2022 we were able to bring the fruit in perfectly ripe and before the heat wave. Following a clean fermentation we racked the wine to neutral oak barrels and aged for 28 months in American Oak barrels.The additional time in barrel added depth and warmth without overshadowing the wine's natural character The wine’s a perfect example of everything coming together: the fruit was ripe, the fermentation was clean, and the timing was just right.

Vineyard:

The Clements Hills Sub-Appellation of Lodi isn’t new to us, Our winery in Lockeford sits on one of the small flat mesas above the Mokelumne river just before the land breaks into small rolling hills that cover most of the Clements Hills area. The Nero D’avola vineyard is a small hilltop broken out of a larger vineyard that’s further broken into about 6 other Italian varietals. Unique to this region is the alluvial soils that over the ages have washed over a deeper base of cobblestone. This unforgiving soil happens to be perfect for restraining the otherwise vigorous growth of grapevines. The resulting fruit is punchy right off the vine. When we’re leading up to harvest and sampling, there is a moment when the flavor shifts from bright snappy acidity to soft plush candy and you just know that the wine is ready to be made.

Tasting:

Aromas of currant, blueberry jam, and black cherry layered with hints of cocoa, dark chocolate, and a whisper of earthy peat. The palate is vibrant with tart cherry and spice, framed by velvety tannins that carry through a long, graceful finish.