2019 was a remarkable growing season in Sonoma County with ample winter rainfall creating wet soils and cool temperatures that delayed budbreak in some areas. Spring and summer brought moderate to slightly above-average temperatures, with late May rains delaying flowering slightly but helping to produce the small, loose clusters that produce very rich and flavorful wines. Thale’s Vineyard was harvested on four different days between September 4 and September 18 of 2019. Grapes from seven of the eleven blocks were used to create this complex and delicious blend.
The fruit was gently destemmed into small open-top fermenters, using state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to avoid any pumping of the must. Inoculation with a select yeast strain was followed by a three-day cold soak, and the caps were managed with a combination of pump-overs and punch-downs. This wine was aged for 10 months in 36% new French oak, and 42% one-year-old French oak barrels. Bottling took place on September 10, 2020.
2019 was a remarkable growing season in Sonoma County with ample winter rainfall creating wet soils and cool temperatures that delayed budbreak in some areas. Spring and summer brought moderate to slightly above-average temperatures, with late May rains delaying flowering slightly but helping to produce the small, loose clusters that produce very rich and flavorful wines. Thale’s Vineyard was harvested on four different days between September 4 and September 18 of 2019. Grapes from seven of the eleven blocks were used to create this complex and delicious blend.
Our Thale’s Vineyard is located in the northernmost part of the Russian River Valley in an area known as the Middle Reach. Named after Steve MacRostie’s wife, Thale (pronounced Thay-lee), this has been MacRostie’s estate vineyard since 2013. The 14-acre property is planted as 11 different blocks. Each block varies in clone, aspect, soil type and year planted, offering great complexity and blending opportunities from the site.