2020 THE ORGANIST

2020 THE ORGANIST 

Paying homage to my former discipline as a musician and pipe organist, this is meant to be an approachable and dazzling wine that is drinkable upon release. This year’s release features a new artistic label to compliment the classic pewter label as a set. This artistic label features a famous quote from Mozart which served as the primary source of inspiration when I designed my logo in 2018. This second vintage release of “The Organist” is limited to a production size of 1 barrel.

Vibrant garnet in hue, this red blend leaps from the glass with lively, bright red fruits and exotic spices.  On the palate, it is approachable, yet expansive and balanced.  The entry displays ripe blueberries, plum, tart cherry, wild blackberries, and sweet cassis, all cradled by etherial and brambly spices. The finish exhibits a kaleidoscope of intense fruits and spices that explode like fireworks. Enjoy from 2023–2033.

Composition – A proprietary field blend of classic red California and Italian grape varieties
Vineyard – Dos Limones Vineyard, Sonoma Mountain AVA, Sonoma County
Elevation – 1,600ft.
Harvest – September 21
Brix at Harvest – 26.2
Maceration – 9 Days | Max Fermentation Temperature 89F
Aging – 14 months total in 75% new French & American Oak

2020 started with only a few inches of rain, yet was followed by a very warm and dry growing season. Cold nights and warm days allowed grapes to retain their natural acidity, while sugars ripened evenly. The vintage is characterized by low yeilds with perfect flavors and quality, sustained until wildfires came a mere week after harvest was completed at the winery. The historic Dos Limones Vineyard is nestled at the highest elevations of Sonoma Mountain. Planted not long after the repeal of prohibition, the vineyard is now owned by the world renowned organic viticulturist, Phil Cotturi. This old vineyard receives the most attentive farming that I’ve ever seen. Just a day prior to harvest, a heat spike of 110F+ tore through the area, resulting in some raisined fruit.  Phil hit the ground running and painstakingly removed every damaged grape from the clusters. Over 35% of the crop was dropped! The result: the most pristine clusters of evenly, ripened fruit arrived at the winery, ready for destemming. Not one blemished berry could be found on the sorting table – a testiment to Phil’s commitment to quality. All this is realized in the finished wine, displaying elegance and drinkability – a hallmark of The Organist. Enjoy!

 

Proprietor, Winemaker, & Organist