2015 Reserve Claret

2015 Reserve Claret

Our 2015 Reserve Claret exhibits a push-and-pull between its playful, fruit-forward personality and its equally stimulating dark, brooding side. Flavors of chocolate-covered cherries, ripe plum, mocha and perfectly-ripe blueberries are enhanced by a concentrated palate bursting with flavor and tannins.

The concept for our Reserve Claret is to make the most complex, symphonic wine possible from our estate, driven mostly by our intense mountain merlot but with a hefty dose of cab to add complexity and ageability. The merlot portion (60%) of this blend was harvested on October 1st and was fermented on its skins for 19 days. The cabernet portion (39%) was harvested on October 24th and was given an extended maceration, finally being pressed on December 30! A final 1% of petit verdot was added to bring floral notes, spice and a touch of acidity.

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Reviews

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  • Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: Issue 240 - Rating: 94

    Composed of 60% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot coming 38% from Napa Valley and 62% from Sonoma County, the 2015 Claret Reserve reveals a deep garnet color and offers up seductively spicy notions of Christmas cake, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon stick over a core of baked plums, blueberry pie and potpourri plus wafts of fried herbs and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the plush textured palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit preserves and savory layers with a lively backbone and a long spicy finish. 536 cases were made.