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Wild Oak Vineyard
Tasting Notes
This inky red wine is as decadent as the aromatics that precede it—rich blueberry, plum, and boysenberry complexity wafts behind hints of sweet tobacco leaves and forest dew. Silky dark chocolate and earthy espresso flavors balance the densely concentrated structure, while hints of sasparilla and cordial trail the mid-palate. The wine’s distinct acidity frames an alluring savory finish.
Vintage Notes
We began our 2019 harvest before dawn on August 30. After a growing season that started in winter with record rainfall, the year ended with warm, even temperatures throughout summer. With few spikes in heat over the period, our vineyards had optimal conditions to develop full-flavored fruit with remarkable color and balanced acidity. Spring rains ended in time for good fruit set. The temperate summer allowed for long hang times and consistent, even ripening. We picked the majority of our fruit in September and the weather continued to cooperate. Warm breezy days, but fortunately no rain took place in October and the last of the grapes were harvested before the end of the month.
Vineyard Notes
A thick-skinned varietal, Petite Sirah has a vigorous canopy, needing long, warm days in order to fully mature. Our Certified Sustainable Wild Oak Estate Vineyard is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains, where well-drained soils and hot summer afternoons provide the warm, dry climate and growing conditions that Petite Sirah loves.
Winemaker Notes
Petite Sirah grapes have very thick skins, and are known to have easily extractable tannin and color. Because of this, the grapes undergo a long cold soak before a gentle and cool fermentation in order to acheive optimal color and aroma. Fermentation is watched closely, and when a balance is found between tannin and fruit, the wine is racked off its skins and pumped into French oak barrels where it undergoes natural malolactic fermentation, followed by elevage.
