2016 Cimarron Vineyard Graciano
Wine Specs
Vintage
2016
Varietal
Graciano
Appellation
Willcox
Vineyard Designation
Cimarron Vineyard
Harvest Date
August 23 & 25
Acid
TA: 6.0 g/L
pH
3.72
Aging
Aged 11+ months in 25% new French oak (Ermitage Cooperage). Twice racked. Filtered, but un-fined.
Alcohol %
14.1
Wine Profile
Tasting Notes
We were so proud of our 2015 Cimarron Vineyard Graciano that we tried to replicate the winemaking approach in 2016 as much as possible. We picked at about the same sugar & pH, used the same yeasts and the same aging regime: 3 neutral barrels and one of our most subtle new French barrels of the year. Once again, this Graciano is a true highlight of the vintage. It has a bright red, spicy plum/watermelon character and the interplay between acidity and the tight, gripping tannins is truly special. This has quickly become a favorite varietal for us Tumbleweeds.
Vineyard Notes
Willcox AVA - 100% Graciano from Cimarron Vineyard. Cochise County, AZ. 4,300 ft. elevation. Harvested Aug. 23rd and 25th - Sugar at harvest: 24.8 Brix
Production Notes
Destemmed but not crushed to open-top, 3⁄4-ton bins. Lot was left ~13% whole cluster. Cold-soaked 24 hours, then inoculated with specially selected yeasts (CLOS, T73, VRB & Rhone2056). Hand punched 3-4 times daily. Inoculated with Malolactic bacteria (Omega) around 7 Brix. Pressed at dryness after 10 days skin contact. Settled 2 days before barreling.
Production
98 cases
Other Notes
Drink now or cellar 5+ years