Nipple Hill is special small lot wine; the result of a wine making approach worthy of note, stepping back to a simpler time. After removing the tops from sixty-gallon, standard French Burgundy oak barrels, the six austere fermentation vessels were filled with the destemmed grapes. The small lots and wooden vessels created an optimal environment for the development of the wine; the wines developed slowly at their own pace with significantly lower heat and longer, gentler fermentations. This slow, gentle fermentation results in a more complex layering and wonderfully integrated flavors and tannins. True to variety and vintage, this wine has moderately-deep color and a tannin profile to match. Bright in aromatics, elegant and silky, earth, spice and stone fruits dominate the nose on this wine with heady layers of blackberry, plum, sandalwood and lavender. The velvety texture of the soft tannins is harmoniously balanced with the lush fruit. Approachable now, this wine will benefit from cellaring. Kelly Kidneigh, Winemaker