Road 13 (Red)

($17.99) SOLD OUT

Tasting Notes

This is the "biggest" Rd. 13 Red we've made yet; big in weight with significant tannic structure. The aroma/flavour emphasis is on fruit, pure berry fruit, leaving out the lumber. Because of the tannins, this vintage will set well with a steak (or a nice slab of barbequed tofu if you are so inclined).

Notes on Fermentation

The fruit from this vintage came in quite ripe with larger than average berries which made tannin extraction a bit of a challenge. To meet the challenge the Merlot and Cabernet lots were fermented quite hot (30+ deg. C) and most of the Cabernets were given an extra month on their skins before pressing, going through malolactic ferment during this. The Pinot Noir was treated quite differently; cool ferment and early pressing to avoid the bitter seed tannins that Pinot Noir can give if care is not exercised. The Pinot Noir and Merlot was allowed malolactic ferment in barrels while the Cabernets stayed in tank for this. All of the lots went into a mix of 2-5 year old French and new American barrels for ageing. Racking/blending occurred in mid June with bottling shortly after this. No fining was needed.