2020 Collection

Wine Maker Comments:

This blend highlights all three of the Rhône varieties grown on the Sea Shell Estate. It features the delicate, expressive fruit of its Grenache (grown on the property's lower, west-facing slopes), the chewy texture and earthiness of its Mourvèdre (grown on that same west-facing slope), and the savory aromatics and depth of its Syrah (grown on its upper limestone rich slopes). 

Vinification:

All lots were picked early in the morning to keep the fruit cool. 20% of the Grenache volume and 15% of the Mourvèdre volume was bled off in order to concentrate the varietal intensity and flavors from the grape skins. The Syrah was destemmed and sorted into small open top fermenters that were punched down 2-3 times per day and stayed on skins for a total of 18 days. A quarter of the Grenache was placed whole cluster into 1-ton fermenters and the remaining 75% of the lot was destemmed on top of it remaining on skins for 15 days prior to pressing. The Mourvèdre was destemmed into 1-ton fermenters and kept on skins for 19 days prior to pressing.

Jeff Strekas

Soil type:

Rolling terraces with decomposed limestone deposits along its slopes.