2016 Penrose

DESCRIPTION

Penrose is a Portuguese Estate varietal blend. It is a herbal and fruit forward with notes of cherry and pepper.

WINEMAKING NOTES

Our reds are harvested, crushed and cold soaked for 3-4 days. After that, they are inoculated with their specific yeast strain depending on varietal and stylistic choice. We will perform 2 daily pump overs and delestage on days 6, 7, and 8. They will be pressed out around day 18. They will then barrel age for around 24 months before bottling.

VINEYARD NOTES

Penrose is from Carter Estate vineyard. This 62-acre vineyard is located in the Temecula Valley. Early morning influence of the Pacific Ocean flows through the coastal mountain range, spilling cool morning clouds and marine layer over the valley. This cooling influence allows the grapes to retain their acid as the clouds burn off, making way for the warm summer sun that allows the ripening process to continue. These are ideal conditions for making crisp white wines and well-structured sparkling wines. Vines are VSP trained; a trellising technique that allows for optimum sun exposure. This vineyard has soils of loam, sandy loam and decomposed granite which are good for grapevine growth with its mixture of sand, silt and clay. It can drain effectively but also keeps nutrients and water available for the vines. A cover crop of pea, barley, bean and vetch is planted between the rows in the winter months to keep our soils healthy, retain water and suppress weeds.