| TASTE BENCHMARKS | |||
| Profile #1 Collectible Style |
Profile #2 Impact Style |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Medium dark ruby to garnet | Dark garnet. | |
| Aroma | Rich black cherry and orange peel, with undertones of asian spices, leather, bacon and white pepper. | Very rich black cherry, plum and orange peel aromas, full oak spice, vanilla, toffe and coffee. | |
| Flavor | Full spiced plummy flavors, solid tannins, medium body. | Heady alcohol and full grippy tannins. | |
| Balance | Restained alcohol, usually under 14%, leading to a long, fruit-filled finish. Excellent ageing potential for at least five to ten years, longer in great years. | Heady alcohol in the 15% range. | |
| PRODUCTION CORRELATIONS | |||
| Viticultural | Picked ripe but not overripe. | Extended hangtime. | |
| Terroir | Altitudes ranging from 1400 feet on the Valley floor to 2800 feet on some high ridges. Cooling ocean influence through the legendary "Rainbow Gap." | Altitudes ranging from 1400 feet on the Valley floor to 2800 feet on some high ridges. Cooling ocean influence through the legendary "Rainbow Gap." | |