Winemaker Notes
The Poor Ranch, situated high in the hills above Hopland, was homesteaded by the Poor family in 1888. Planted in 1950, the Quilie’s block is rooted in rocky serpentine soil. Grown organically and without irrigation. Quilie’s Grenache block pictured shows the occasional 8+ foot tall trees of Grenache amongst the strugglers.
Stunning aromatics of orange zest, bergamot tea, pomegranate extraction, spice box. Delicate with compelling balance. Lifted red fruit, and intensity while detailing restraint.
3 barrels produced. Hand picked & then whole cluster fermented with a foot treading thrown in for good measure. Pressed directly to seasoned French oak barrels for native ML fermentation. These very traditional methods employed help capture the sense of place and time.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
One of Napa Valley’s oldest wine growing subregions but last to gain appellation status, Calistoga occupies the northernmost section of the valley. Beginning at the foot of Mount St. Helena, its vineyards stretch over steep canyons and roll out onto the valley floor. The soils in Calistoga are volcanic, which means they are heavy in minerals, low in organic matter and allow good drainage for vine roots, creating less green growth and more concentration of flavor within the grape berries.
Summer days are very hot but most nights cool down with moist ocean breezes sneaking in over the Mayacamas Mountains or from Knights Valley to its northwest.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the area’s star variety with Zinfandel coming in a strong second, though the latter commands far less price per tonnage so continues to be outshined by Cabernet in vineyard acreage, save for some important exceptions.