Ledge Catacombs Red Blend 2011
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A distinctive red blend, ripe yet focused. The spicy cherry and grilled anise aromas open to layered raspberry, mineral and rosemary flavors, with balanced tannins. Grenache, Syrah, Zinfandel and Counoise. Drink now through 2020.
The aptly named Ledge Vineyards sits atop a flat panoramic ledge of sandstone, sand and clay amongst the rolling hills of the Willow Creek District in Paso Robles. Winemaker, Mark Adams, grew up on the land he and wife, Ciera, now continue to farm. In 2005 they propagated cuttings and own-root planted the first 5 acres of their vineyard. Now 20 years later, their 20 acre vineyard continues to grow and is planted to Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsaut, Counoise, Grenache Blanc, Clairette Blanche and Roussanne.
Mark's journey in winemaking began in the cellar and vineyards with childhood friend, Justin Smith, at Saxum. This led to sourcing fruit from many esteemed vineyards in the area, such as James Berry Vineyard and Bien Nacido, while the Ledge estate vines continued to mature. By 2009 and 2010 Mark was making wines with Syrah and Grenache from the ledge, laying the foundation for Ledge wines' distinctive character. Together with Ciera they now offer a wine club and lineup of limited-production wines that are described by critics as rare, multi-dimensional, and seamless. Mark's pure winemaking style showcases their site’s unique location and terroir — capturing that remarkable westside Paso Robles magic.
Despite accolades and a growing reputation for their elegant, sought-after wines, Mark and Ciera remain genuinely approachable, crafting niche wines with a humble spirit that mirrors how Ledge began.
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!