Varieties
45% Petit Verdot
30% Merlot
25% Cabernet Franc

Geographical Indication
Estate grown-Shenandoah Valley AVA

Winemakers and Vineyards
Winemaker-Jessi Gatewood
Vineyard Source-Barren Ridge

Vintage Overview
2021 growing season consisted of relatively hot, sunny and dry days with cool nights. This led to exceptional ripe red grapes with little to no rot/botrytis, well developed flavors, good acidity, though not as high alcohol or as lush as 2019, still an excellent season for reds.

Winemaking
The grapes were de-stemmed, gently crushed, to stainless steel tanks and bins, and cold soaked for 24 hours. After the yeasts started the fermentation, the pump over or punch-down took place daily, and when it was beneficial the process of 'delestage' was applied. After 3-4 weeks of maceration, the wine was pressed off to barrels and allowed to naturally go through malolactic fermentation. A selection of new and seasoned French oak and one barrel of American oak was chosen for maturing the wine. During the 14 months oak maturation period the wine was racked 3 times. As a Bordeaux style wine, the final blend was carefully selected from the best barrels for each varietal.

Analysis
Alcohol 12.7%
Sugar .0 g/L
pH 3.67
Acid 5.48

Nose: Bright Berry and Cassis up front, with notes of forest floor at the finish.

Palate: Berry, cherry , bittersweet chocolate and notes of vanilla.

Cellaring: At its optimum in 5-10 years

Food and wine pairing: Elegant dishes such as Duck (confit or roasted) -Cassoulet