Vineyard: 

Located at ~2500 feet of elevation in the South Skyline region of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ascona Vineyard is farmed with dedicated organic practices. The soils are ancient marine sedimentary deposits of loosely consolidated sandstone and siltstone, with an average southwest exposure. Ascona is perched above the daytime marine layer while fog and cool Pacific breezes prevail overnight. This strong diurnal temperature variation permits phenolic ripening and stem maturation, while preserving fresh natural acidity.

Winemaking:

Fermented 100% whole cluster using native yeasts. We taste ferments daily to assess progress of maceration and extraction. With the primary fermentation complete, we pressed the wine into neutral French oak barrels and bottled after 9 months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered, please expect some solids in the bottle. We made this wine thoughtfully to show itself best with age. Enjoy now or cellar 8 - 15 years for savoring at its peak. 3 barrels produced, 13.5% ABV

Tasting Notes:

Blueberries, violets, and a whisper of black olive. The palate leans into Montmorency cherry, dried herbs, and just the right amount of wild game. Feels like the last grill night in late Autumn. Bold but not loud, structured but not stiff—like a well-seasoned cast iron pan, this one’s built to last.