Keplinger Caldera Red 2014 El Dorado

This wine hails from gorgeous Aiken soils in El Dorado County at an elevation of 2900’. The beautiful, fine red volcanic soil is strewn with lava pebbles, giving this wine a true sense of place. The head-trained vines are now 18 years old, allowing the vineyard to be nearly dry-farmed, and giving the wine more intensity and terroir every year. All three varietals were harvested on the 20th of September and fermented in a single small fermentation lot - in the spirit of the original 2007 Caldera. After a 4-day cold soak and 23 days on skins, the wine was drained and gently pressed to neutral French Demi Muids. Following a 16 month elevage without racking in a very cold cellar, the barrels were blended and bottled, no fining or filtration. The 2014 Caldera, 69% Mourvedre, 27% Grenache, and 4% Counoise, is rich and dense, with wonderful tension of sweet fruit and savory notes. The nose has great intensity – rose petals, iron, strawberry, early season blackberry, lavender, tar, herb roasted meat, sage, dandelion. The pretty red fruit is purity on the palate, with super spice-laden flavors and earth layering the silky entry, charcoal tannins and terrific persistence. 150 cases produced" - Helen Keplinger