The microclimates that influence the 83 acres of berries brought into Cornell-educated winemaker Eric Misiewicz’s cellar include that of the Westside Blocks, where an arena-like feature focuses more heat on the vines managed by Bruce Sonnen for owners Carl and Marilynn Thoma. Their clonal selection of 113 and 777, fruit moderated by coastal breezes through Van Duzer Corridor, results in a six-barrel lot of ripeness, complexity and balance. There’s an early greetings of cherry jam, blueberry, sweet herbs, cinnamon and leather. The stream of dark and ripe blue fruit dances on the palate with superbly managed tannins, lingering black currant juice and capped with a pinch of black pepper.
Rating: 92 points — Outstanding!
Production: 152 cases
Alcohol: 13.8%
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