2022 Tinto

2022 Ferdinand "Tinto"

100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Planted in 1974 on St. George rootstock. California sprawl. Cole Ranch is the smallest American Viticultural Area (around 60 acres). It's at 1500' in Mendocino County between Ukiah and Boonville. Very isolated. Now owned and farmed by Mike Lucia. Mostly known for old vine Riesling there is a tiny parcel of the original Cabernet. I was the only one to get the fruit in 2020-2022 along with Mike the owner. This is a very cool site and in Mendocino 2022 was a late and cool year. In addition these old vines are somewhat virused. We picked on the last day of harvest with the canopy fully senescent and the rain starting.

Grapes were destemmed and fermented in a stainless tank. Pumped over and fermented normally. Don't be deceived by the vibrant color - this is not a carbonic maceration.

To preserve freshness the wine was aged in tank and never touched a barrel. Just bottled June 27, 2024 for around 18 months of elevage.

pH 3.4, TA 6g, Abv just under 11%.

Bottled in flint glass to encourage appreciation of the color and enjoyment with a nice chill for summer drinking.