Winemaker: Glenn Alexander
Appellation: Sonoma County
Vineyards: Kick Ranch, Lichau
Composition: 41% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre, 19% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 22 months French Oak, 25% New
Case Production: 349
Alcohol: 14.2%
Regular Retail: $30
Appellation: Sonoma County
Vineyards: Kick Ranch, Lichau
Composition: 41% Grenache, 32% Mourvedre, 19% Syrah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon
Aging: 22 months French Oak, 25% New
Case Production: 349
Alcohol: 14.2%
Regular Retail: $30
2015 Rouge du Tusque, Red Rhône blend
FARMING
Our vineyards are chosen for very specific reasons. First, the proper grape varietal must be planted where the climatic conditions promote ripeness, but not planted on a site that allows ripening too easily. Secondly, the soil conditions must promote drainage and provide balanced nutrition. Our vineyards are farmed certified sustainably, organically or biodynamically. We are able to influence grape quality in many ways, including vine architecture,, arranging or removing leaves to allow the desired amount of sunlight to reach the clusters, adding nutrition or irrigation, and managing the yield for the best levels of flavor, tannins and acidity.
VINEYARDS:
Kick Ranch & Lichau
Kick Ranch: Set on the west facing foothills of the Mayacamas, at an elevation of 430 feet, the soils are a mix of Goulding clay loam, Pleasanton-Haire complex, with some volcanic. Over a hundred critically acclaimed wines have been made from Kick Ranch. These vines are framed by steep hills allowing the cooling night breezes to sweep coastal fog in on most nights that give away quickly each morning to brilliant sunshine. Lichau Vineyard: Facing west, this cabernet planting sits alone on a mountaintop high above the plains that stretch toward the Pacific. To the east is Sonoma Mountain. The soils are predominantly Goulding- Toomes complex, and work well for cab. Catching the late afternoon sun at 1,227 feet elevation in this cool region is the key to growing this excellent cabernet. Always the last of the season to harvest.
TASTING NOTES
Like all great blends, hard to define, but a joy to drink. It's got plenty of fruit - raspberry, fresh strawberry, rich cherry, plum, and blackberries. The silky tannins, and the rich full body are framed with a nice clean finish. A little tobacco, with a hint of summer herbs, juniper berries, and notes of chocolate. When I lift the glass, aromas of spice greet me warmly. Mouth watering with a wonderfully long finish. Made to be approachable and enjoyed with food.
WINEMAKING
Hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and steel fermented in separate open top tanks. We don't make our Rouge every year. We only make the component selections and build our blend when we have the right ingredients to work with. As a result, our Rouge is always unique. It has to be complex, lush, delicious, and approachable early. When we do make it, it is always in the spirit of a great table wine. In this case, the whole is greater than the parts.
FARMING
Our vineyards are chosen for very specific reasons. First, the proper grape varietal must be planted where the climatic conditions promote ripeness, but not planted on a site that allows ripening too easily. Secondly, the soil conditions must promote drainage and provide balanced nutrition. Our vineyards are farmed certified sustainably, organically or biodynamically. We are able to influence grape quality in many ways, including vine architecture,, arranging or removing leaves to allow the desired amount of sunlight to reach the clusters, adding nutrition or irrigation, and managing the yield for the best levels of flavor, tannins and acidity.
VINEYARDS:
Kick Ranch & Lichau
Kick Ranch: Set on the west facing foothills of the Mayacamas, at an elevation of 430 feet, the soils are a mix of Goulding clay loam, Pleasanton-Haire complex, with some volcanic. Over a hundred critically acclaimed wines have been made from Kick Ranch. These vines are framed by steep hills allowing the cooling night breezes to sweep coastal fog in on most nights that give away quickly each morning to brilliant sunshine. Lichau Vineyard: Facing west, this cabernet planting sits alone on a mountaintop high above the plains that stretch toward the Pacific. To the east is Sonoma Mountain. The soils are predominantly Goulding- Toomes complex, and work well for cab. Catching the late afternoon sun at 1,227 feet elevation in this cool region is the key to growing this excellent cabernet. Always the last of the season to harvest.
TASTING NOTES
Like all great blends, hard to define, but a joy to drink. It's got plenty of fruit - raspberry, fresh strawberry, rich cherry, plum, and blackberries. The silky tannins, and the rich full body are framed with a nice clean finish. A little tobacco, with a hint of summer herbs, juniper berries, and notes of chocolate. When I lift the glass, aromas of spice greet me warmly. Mouth watering with a wonderfully long finish. Made to be approachable and enjoyed with food.
WINEMAKING
Hand-sorted, de-stemmed, and steel fermented in separate open top tanks. We don't make our Rouge every year. We only make the component selections and build our blend when we have the right ingredients to work with. As a result, our Rouge is always unique. It has to be complex, lush, delicious, and approachable early. When we do make it, it is always in the spirit of a great table wine. In this case, the whole is greater than the parts.
