Nose
Intensely aromatic - exhibiting notes of stone fruits such as white peach, apricot and nectarine as well as exotic flowers, honeyed grapefruit and quince.
Palate
The structure is rich but with great acidity which creates a wine with incredible finesse. The minerality of this wine shines through to the finish.
Growing Conditions
We purchased the land for this vineyard in 2001 after searching for a location that would allow us to produce profound terroir based wines. Located in Knights Valley, ten acres are planted, two-thirds to red varietals and one third to white. Planting was done in stages by varietal to create the three wines in succession. The elevation of this vineyard is 2300-2500 feet and its steep slopes and bowl shape create intriguing microclimates with mostly southern and western exposures. The soils are rich in volcanic ash – ideal for Cabernet franc and Chardonnay; clay for Merlot and Sauvignon blanc. La Mekerra displays a sense of wild animal, full of energy. The wines have floral dark fruit mixed with minerals and big tannic structure for the red and great natural acidity for the whites.
Soil composition: Clay and volcanic ash Year Planted: 2003 Size: 6 acres Vine spacing: 5’ x 3’ Clones: Cab franc 327/332; Merlot 181 Elevation: 2500’ Appellation: Knights Valley, Sonoma Valley Varietals: Cabernet franc; Merlot First Vintage Produced: 2007
Our third vintage of mountain fruit Sauvignon blanc to be produced from our 2300 foot elevation vineyard in Knights Valley.
Aging
22 months 100% new French oak "cigare barrels"
