Vineyard: Our Bismark Mountain vineyard is high in the Moon Mountain District, above the city of Sonoma and the San Pablo Bay. Here, on the southwestern flanks of the Mayacamas Mountains amid 67 acres of red grapes, we planted 100 vines of clone 239 Riesling on a Rhyolitic slope. In this harsh mountain environment, it took seven years to produce enough fruit to bottle.

Vintage 2020: In Contrast with 2019, winter was mild and dry with a warm very warm February and early bud break. A near frost free spring and hot temps in May followed by a mid-month rain reduced fruit set. Summer was mild until two hot windy days in mid-August accelerated the lightning caused Walbridge fire northwest of our vineyards. Potential smoke taint was a huge concern, but late arriving analysis confirmed we were taint free. A mere 900 pounds were harvested August 28, 2020, at 20.3^o Brix, TA 0.71, and pH 3.23.

Winemaking:  We pressed the Riesling as whole clusters, using a gradual increase in pressure and no tumbling to collect limpid juice without bitterness. We collected only the first 110 gallons per ton and transferred the juice to a stainless drum to chill and cold settle. The Riesling was inoculated and fermented in stainless steel. After dryness we aged it on the lees for six months. In early February we racked the wine off lees, and sterile filtered it before bottling.

Tasting Notes:  Our 2020 Riesling is a tour de force of intensity and deliciousness. Aromas of jasmine, Galilean melon, nectarine, gooseberry, white peach and lime skin gush from the glass. Equally unphlegmatic by mouth, flavors of tart apple, lime marmalade, sandia, and amchoor are woven into a juicy, lingering finish. (Tasted 7-28-21)  

Variety

100% Riesling

Vineyard Location

Bismark Mountain block 21

Age of Vines

14 years

Alcohol 12.6%

pH  3.15

Titratable Acidity (TA)

0.68 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar 0.3%

Harvest Date       

August 28, 2020

Avg. Brix at Harvest 20.3^o

Fermentation

In Stainless Steel. Inoculated

Ferment. Temp.

Cellar Temp ~58 ^o F

Malolactic fermentation

None

Length/Type of Aging

7 months on lees, in stainless steel

Oak Types

None

Bottling Date

March 23, 2021

Number of Cases

17.5 (210 bottles)

Vegan