Idlewild'Fox Hill Vineyard' Dolcetto 2018

Idlewild is the creation of Sam Bilbro. Sam comes from a long family tradition of wine. His father Chris Bilbro founded Marietta Cellars. Idlewild sources fruit from just two vineyards (Fox Hill and Lost Hills Ranch). Fox Hill Vineyard is one of the most unique vineyards in Northern California. Located southeast of Ukiah on Mendocino’s Talmage Bench, the soils are well drained with high concentrations of gravel, quartz, and sandstone. What makes this site so special is the fact that Lowell Stone decided to buck every trend and simply plant what he was interested in planting. Many trips to Italy turned to inspiration and the wild spectrum of varieties began to take root. For this 2018 vintage, Sam fermented 100% whole cluster with partial foot treading. He loves this vintage because it shows the contrast of bright freshness against firm structure he loves seeing in Dolcetto. The élevage in large format Slovenien oak Botti pushed this contrast further by retaining freshness while also filling out the mouthfeel and structure. The nose shows black cherry, earth, roses, almond, and anise. The mouth is medium bodied with freshness and firm tannin on the finish. It is joyful and fully serious all at once. 340 cases were produced.