Vineyard Notes
We produce Coriol, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape type blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 2.5% Counoise and 2.5% Petite Sirah. Our Coriol wine is inspired by the classic wines of the Rhône Valley. Our Syrah and Grenache comes from the Landa Vineyard which is located in the shadows of the eastern hills of the Sonoma Valley. Additional Grenache, as well as Mourvèdre and Counoise comes from the Annadel Estate Vineyard, located at the northwest end of the Sonoma Valley appellation. This vineyard was among the first to purchase California-certified Château Beaucastel budwood from Tablas Creek nursery. These varietals, including the late ripening Mourvèdre thrive in the shallow soils of the vineyards' upslope areas. In 2006 mild winter with below normal rainfall, coupled with a dry spring, led to early bud break and a harvest that was completed by late October.

Winemaking Notes
This fruit was hand harvested early in the morning to ensure the coldest juice possible and came into the winery in exceptional condition. Then we hand sorted, de-stemmed and the fruit was put into one-ton bins. After fermentation was complete we avoid harsh and green tannins by using a basket press which prevents skins and seeds from being crushed. The juice then underwent complete malolactic fermentation. Our finished wine was transferred to French oak barrels, 50% new, where it aged for 21 months before being bottled.

Tasting Notes
Savory aromas of black and white pepper, smoked bacon, earth, red and black berry set this wine apart. Medium-full bodied, this red Rhône blend is packed with dark fruit, spicy pepper notes, and a hint of minerality. Crisp and fresh, our Coriol red is an ideal companion for food.

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