2020 Rendezvous Red, Lot 20
Tasting notes
On the nose, notes of dark berry fruit, Black Cherri, plum, and hints of earthy aromas mix with toasted oak aromas. On the palate it is full and round with dark berry fruit continuing blackberry, cherry, and hints of Coco and Vanilla bean on the finish. The excellent weight and balanced acidity gives a wonderful shape on the palate but gives a soft finish with supple tannins. This is a great cocktail style wine that can be enjoyed on its own but also rolls into dinner and compliments many game dishes (Elk, Deer, Moose, Buffalo, Lamb, and any traditional steak). This wine is tasting delicious now and will continue to age and develop even more secondary aromas and flavors over the next few years.
Production notes
2018 Harvest / Growing Season
The winter months were very dry with unseasonably warm weather in the early part of the season. By mid-February the rains had returned; nearly doubling the total rainfall and staving off early budbreak. The much-needed rains continued through March. The remainder of the spring saw additional rainfall with spates of warm weather interspersed. The plants responded well under these near-perfect vegetative cycle conditions. Flowering commenced in June under ideal temperatures. Subsequently, below-average temperatures ensued for a week and a half which extended the bloom schedule. The net effect of the cooling trend created a looser cluster and some millerandage or “hens and chicks,” a highly desirable trait for many reasons including better phenolic development and better air flow through the cluster to prevent mold. Heading into the season, crop loads were near-historic averages with great vine balance. Harvest started on the 7th of September under ideal conditions with moderate, consistent temperatures. Vintage highlights include site specificity and elegance, while displaying concentration and balance.
Vintage | 2020 |
Varietal | Blend |
Varietal Composition | 56% Cab Franc - Horse Haven Hills 28% Syrah -Horse Haven Hills 6% Merlot -Horse haven Hills 10% Petite Syrah - Chalk Hill
|
Appellation | Horse Heaven Hills |
Vineyard | Destiny Ridge |
Acid | 6.0 |
PH | 3.75 |
Aging | 20 Months French & Hungarian |
Fermentation | Open top |
Residual Sugar | <0 |
Alcohol | 14.50% |
Volume | 750 ml |
Cases Produced | 450 |