As in previous vintages, this ruby and garnet hued wine sparkles in the glass. The nose is subtle, but expressive, with an earthy spiciness indicative of the vineyard. The wine exhibits red currant and fresh strawberry married with floral notes of dried rose petal and hints of cedar. Cherry cola, tobacco and spice open in the glass with the restrained smoky support of fine French oak adding to the lingering finish.
The attack is engaging and substantial, buoyed by the whole cluster fermentation enriching the silky mid-palate. The wine is well balanced, lush and sensual in the mouth.
Kelly Kidneigh - Winemaker
Bella is a new project for us highlighting what is turning out to be an amazing vintage. This selective, two-barrel lot balances the depth and complexities of the older 115 vines with the joyful, fruit-filled exuberance of the younger 667 and 777 vines.
The attack on the palate is exhilarating with flavors that dance in the mouth. The nose opens with a perfume of wild strawberry and dried cherries laced with smoky bacon and dark chocolate notes bringing complexity and balance. Luxuriously smooth tannins and a bright fruit attack round out the voluptuous structure of this wine.
Kelly Kidneigh, Winemaker
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