2008 Mountain Cuvee

Soft, rich aromas and flavors of juicy cherry, plum and blackberry, laced with milk chocolate and and roasted coffee bean. Dense, round mouthfeel with soft tannins supporting generous fruit flavors. The long finish is full of berry and cocoa. A lush, fruit-forward wine intended to be enjoyed within five years of vintage.

Rhinefarm Estate Vineyard; Estate grown, produced and bottled; Sustainably farmed; Rhyolitic Ash and Alluvial Wash soils at 70 to 105 feet elevation

Vinification: Hand harvested; Each lot processed separately based on distinct profile; Three- to five-day cold soak; Yeast strain D254; Concurrent primary and malolactic fermentation; Extraction through pump-overs, tailored to phenolic profile of each lot; Pressed before dryness and racked to barrels to complete fermentation; Lees stirring for three months post fermentation; Base blend assembled twelve months before bottling; Final blend assembled two weeks before bottling Oak Regimen: 14 months in predominantly French oak; Some American & Hungarian oak add spice & coconut nuances

In 2008, there was more springtime frost than usual, but we were lucky enough to not be greatly affected—unlike some of our neighbors. We found ourselves enduring erratic temperatures in May, with heat spikes followed by cool weather and very little rain. June and July brought heat in combination with smoke strewn across Northern California. Luckily, our grapes were not affected by the smoke to our north. While the harvest was busy at first, mid-September brought cooler weather which slowed ripening, allowing us to catch our breath, and finish out the season calmly. The strong 2008 vintage resulted in small-berried, evenly ripe fruit, and concentrated wines full of distinctive character.

4,700 Cases