Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Plum Orchard floats out of the glass, with aromas of dried strawberries, raspberries, and crushed violets. The acidity skates across the tongue, while stem inclusion imparts subtle notes of white pepper. Through the co-fermentation of Grenache and Mataro grown in sandy soil, this wine emerges as our most feminine expression.
Blend: 65% Grenache, 35% Mataro
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Complex and spicy, with red and black fruits, kirsch, savory flowers, pepper, and orange blossom-driven aromatics, the 2022 Plum Orchard is medium to full-bodied on the palate and textured, with a sexy, seamless mouthfeel, no hard edges, and a great finish. Based on 65% Grenache and 35% Mataró, aged 22 months in 50% new French oak, it's hard to resist today, yet should have a decade of longevity.
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.
Pacific ocean breezes enter through the gap for which it is named. The Templeton Gap District is characterized by cooler days and nights and is made of broad alluvial terraces with vineyards at elevations of 700 to 1,800 feet.