Winemaker Notes
2012 was an excellent vintage in the Gabilan Mountains. We picked the Mourvedre on October 19. We picked Coastview Grenache and later ripening Syrah the next day at Coastview Vineyard. These lots were all destemmed whole berry and co-fermented. The Mourvedre was pressed after 19 days on the skins and the Grenache/Syrah fermentations after 24-25 days. The soils and moderate climate of these sites are no doubt responsible for the vibrant and lively character of this blend. Gentle extraction in small 1.5 ton fermenters followed by a gentle press into French oak barrels (only one new) produced a wine with great structure and mouthfeel.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grape vines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Chardonnay, covering about 40% of vineyard acreage, is the most widely planted grape in all of Monterey County.