This wine is an absolute pleasure to drink. A beautiful bright ruby hue draws the eye, while aromas of cherry cola, lavender, thyme, and white pepper entice the nose. The palate is full of layered fruit with red cherry, fresh raspberry, apricot, and peach. Subtle hints of smoke and tobacco, with an underlying minerality, increase the depth of this easy-drinking yet complex wine. The finish is smooth and clean, with a surprising pop of acidity that draws you in for another sip! This is the ultimate crowd-pleasing wine, whether you are a connoisseur or simply a consumer.
The wine's name honors the visionary pioneers who built the flumes, canals, and ditches to bring water to the goldfields and thus who sold it by the miner's inch. To this day, that same system still supplies not only our vineyards but many parts of the Sierra Foothills thus making it a part of this wine.
Grape Variety: | 52% Cinsaut, 20% Tempranillo, 15% Petite Sirah, 8% Aglianico, 5% Mourvèdre |
Appellation: | El Dorado AVA |
Vineyard: | Starfield Estate |
Vines: | Planted 2013, 2014, and 2015. |
Elevation & Site: | 2,200-2,300 feet. Cinsaut and Tempranillo are planted in the coolest parts of the vineyard, at the bottom of the hill, with north and east row orientations. Aglianico is planted on warm southwest slopes. |
Alcohol: | 14.8% |
pH: | 3.63 |
Acidity g/L: | 6.0 |
Cellaring: | 18 months in 35% new French oak, 65% neutral French oak |
Bottling Date: | August 2020 |
Production: | 274 cases |
Food Pairings
Beef Tenderloin with Gorgonzola, Slow Cooked Pulled Pork in Root Beer BBQ Sauce, Grilled Spiced Halloumi, and Watermelon Skewers