In our constant pursuit to keep your palates and ours engaged, we are led to try new things. Most of these enological and viticultural experiments have yielded outstanding wines, some of which are showcased in this release. We pulled a more aggressive bleed than in the past on our Tempranillo. This has intensified the earth flavors and soft tannins in this year’s Mas de Maha, making it the most Spanish influenced vintage of this wine to date. Field blending and co-fermentation of Booker fruit produced early flavor marriage with the Avenger giving this wine a high ‘yummy’ factor (technical term). Barrel fermentation was employed for the first time at Villa Creek with the 2007 Damas Noir. Thermal extraction and enzymatic breakdown of wood flavors during this process has given this wine incredibly integrated sweet oak character. Lastly, the use of whole cluster fermentation and Hungarian oak aging has given the 2007 Pata Negra a unique spice rack quality not often found in Paso Robles wines.
Avenger, 2007
75% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache
Elevage: 100% de-stemmed fruit from Booker Vineyard, basket pressed and racked once off gross lees. Aged 18 months in 50% new French Barriques.
Color: Burgundy
Aromatics: Incredibly sexy with upfront notes of cocoa, blueberries, black licorice and violets.
Palate: The mouth fills out with more chocolate, cherry cola and just a hint of black pepper and tar. The finish is both velvety and lush.
Damas Noir, 2007
100% Mourvèdre
Elevage: Barrel fermented in new French 500 liter Puncheons, 75% whole cluster, basket pressed, racked once off gross lees, 18 months maturation.
Color: Inky
Aromatics: Explosive notes of blackberries, white pepper, nutmeg, salt water, and fennel.
Palate: Rich and lush without being fat. Boysenberries, sexy Asian spices, sea salt carmels, new saddle leather, with hints of cured meats and blue violets. Firm yet integrated tannins that provide a pure long finish. It will be a pleasure to see this wine evolve over the next 8-10 years.
Mas de Maha, 2007
60% Tempranillo, 30% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre
Elevage: 25% whole cluster Tempranillo, basket pressed, 50% new French and American Barriques, 15 months maturation.
Color: Deep Crimson
Aromatics: Blackberry, Guiness Stout, fennel pollen, dried flowers, and cocoa convey a wine of power and finesse.
Palate: Black currant, pomegranate syrup, spice cake, snuff, and black pepper on the attack, finishing fresh and balanced with a hint of minerality and just enough tannin to warrant decanting several hours prior to enjoying.
Pata Negra, 2007
65% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Tempranillo, 10% Grenache
Elevage: 30% whole cluster on the Mourvèdre with all remaining grapes de-stemmed. 50% new oak, French and Hungarian, 30% Puncheon, 70% Barrique. Basket pressed, racked once off gross lees, 18 month maturation.
Color: Ruby Red
Aromatics: Raspberry preserves, Mission fig, roasted chilies, crushed chalk, tar and cinnamon.
Palate: Slightly spicy with sappy sweet dark fruits, smoked meats, licorice and graphite. Finishing with a zesty minerality and supple tannins.
