The Cuvée Sasha Concept: My goal was to create a distinctive yet accessible GSM (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre) blend. I’ve always had a special preference for the great wines of Southern France. With Cuvée Sasha, I’m offering my California version of this style.
The Vineyard: The grapes are grown on Montelago Vineyard planted between 2000 and 2400 feet elevation above the largest lake in California—Clearlake. South facing exposure. Soil: Brick red volcanic cinders and pumice-like gravel and stones. In general, low fertility with high level of calcium and potassium.
The Vintage: 2010 harvest was one of the most challenging in my 22 years as a winemaker because of the unpredictable weather with extreme high and low temperatures. The season was relatively cool overall resulting in brighter fruit aromas, higher acid levels and intensely colored wines in general: High Valley does not get the morning fog as do the coastal valleys, but it is classi ed between region 2 and 3 (very similar to Sonoma and Napa) for its summation of temperatures during the growing season.
Winemaking: The Grenache ripened as usually earlier than the Mourvedre and the Sirah. The grapes were harvested on September 30th in the cold early morning than sorted by hand and destemmed in the most gentle way possible and fermented at relatively cool temperatures in an open top tank. The Mourvedre and the Sirah were harvested a week later and fermented separate. In December, after malolactic fermentation, the Cuvée Sasha was blended and then aged for 11 months in 20% new and the rest older barrels.
Tasting Notes: What I love about Grenache is the seductively inviting aromas of jammy strawberries, dry apricots, guava and cranberry with hint of dry rose petals and Herbs de Provence that make you smell the wine over and over again. The mouth feel is clean, fresh and lively without any heaviness with focused acidity and food friendly softness. Cheers!
Blend: 75% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 6% Syrah
Barrel Aging: Total of 11 months in 25% new Eastern European and French oak barrels
Alcohol: 14.5%
TA: 0.59g/100ml
PH: 3.81
Production: 560 cases