2008 Calotte Blanc

Tasting notes: Our 2008 Calotte Blanc displays pale green apple and gold colors in the glass. On the nose, the wine displays complex aromas of peach, apricot, citrus leaf and lime. These pick up additional notes of spice, honey, melon and green apple on the mouth, all of which are framed and balanced by a blanket of minerality on the finish.

Winemaking: 100% whole cluster pressed with native yeast fermentations.  All lots underwent 100% malolactic fermentation.

• 35% Viognier, fermented in stainless steel.
• 25% Vermentino, fermented in stainless steel.
• 20% Roussanne (Cooper), fermented in stainless steel.
• 10% Roussanne (Monarch Mine), fermented in neutral hungarian oak.
• 10% Marsanne, fermented in stainless steel.

Winemaker comments: The 2008 Calotte differs slightly from our 2007 version, but it retains all of the hallmarks of that inaugural vintage. We increased the Viognier component this year, because we loved the acid and mineral notes it gave to the overall blend. We also upped the Marsanne percentage a touch (the melon notes of the Marsanne were particularly interesting this year). The addition of a small amount of Roussanne aged in neutral oak also added to the wine’s complexity without steering the wine too much away from its crisp, stainless steel foundation. Only a light cold stabilization was done before bottling.

Cases Produced: 167

Vineyard Sources: Cooper Vineyards (Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne), Bella Grace Vineyards (Vermentino), Monarch Mine Vineyards (Roussanne)

Harvest Date: Viognier, Sept. 3; Roussanne (Cooper), Sept. 15; Marsanne, Oct. 6; Vermentino, Sept. 23; Roussanne (Monarch Mine), Sept. 23.

Bottling Date: June 12, 2009
 

Ageability: Although complex, we create our Calotte Blanc to be drank upon release. The wine will evolve after bottling, but we prefer to drink it in its fruit forward, youthful state.