About the Vineyard:
“Some wines are meant to be blended. In fact, an enjoyable aspect of winemaking is the experimentation requisite with blending trials that leads to the finished product, obsessing over just the right amount of this and that. With Nelle our focus is to start with great vineyard sources, and to create a resulting wine that is even better than the individual vineyard sources, whether through co-fermentation or blending. At harvest most decisions are made on the fly, after “listening” to what the grapes are telling us from the vineyard. For instance, co-fermentation of independent lots, a technique we often employ for certain vineyard sites, can be rewarding because the result can yield increased complexity and flavor integration. For lots we choose keep independent through fermentation, we use ongoing blending trials throughout the year as the wine evolves in the barrel. These blending trials allow us to get properly acquainted with our wines to ensure they end up with proper mates.”
Tasting Notes:
Paso’s Westside is home to some world-class Rhone grapes. Grenache takes the spotlight in this blend showcasing beautiful blue and black fruit flavors. On the mid-palate, Syrah shows its pretty little face in the form of roasted coffee, meat, and pencil shaving. The finish is longer than this tasting note and leaves a lingering taste of purple violets and lavender. Only 175 cases made.
