About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes entirely from Dry Creek Valley. Syrah and Grenache are sourced from Saini vineyards on the eastern benchland, including old-vine Grenache planted in 1942. Petite Sirah comes from Perotti vineyards in the valley’s northwestern corner.
Grapes
The 2018 blend is 38% Petite Sirah, 34% Syrah, and 28% Grenache.
Vinification
The hand-picked grapes were destemmed and crushed. Grenache fermented in open-top fermentors with gentle punch-downs during maceration. Syrah and Petite Sirah fermented in closed-top stainless-steel tanks. The wines were subsequently drained to barrels to complete malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
Matured for 15 months in 12% new American oak and 88% neutral French oak.
Technical data
- Vintage: 2018
- Alcohol: 15%
- pH: 3.78
- Titratable acidity: 6.4 g/L
- Format presented: 750 ml
Tasting profile
Rose aromas mingle with fresh blue fruit and plum, followed by thyme, sage, juniper, and dried lavender. Bright fruit is balanced by earthy, savory notes on the palate. Chewy tannins and mouthwatering acidity lead into a persistent finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with roast duck or rabbit accompanied by stone-fruit mostarda, or with savory Parmesan risotto and fresh tomato sauce.
Vintage notes
Rainfall began below average in 2018, but February and March rain left the soils close to saturation by budbreak and bloom. Moderately warm conditions in May and June encouraged vigorous growth and a slightly above-average crop. Above-average temperatures in June and July advanced veraison from late July into August. An unusually cool harvest without the customary early-September heat spells allowed slower picking, higher acidity, lower sugar levels, and extended flavor development through late October.
Label / history
The wine honors David Seghesio, who joined the family business in 1983 as a master technician and contributed to its growth through his mechanical, engineering, and restoration skills. It was created in memory of his ambition and ingenuity after his death in 2017.
