GOLD MEDAL - 2016 Craft Competition International Awards
Due to the covert nature of the blend, we can divulge very little about Cryptology. As always, the specific grape types we used are a closely guarded secret. However, we can disclose that the finished wine is both rich and balanced. Bold black fruit and dark chocolate flavors. Aromas of cocoa and cherry. A beguiling mystery in your glass.
For this single vineyard Malbec, we sourced grapes from the award winning Bon Niche Vineyard, located in the Estrella District of the Paso Robles AVA. Bon Niche consistently produces top quality fruit but the 2013 harvest was exceptional. The wine was aged for 20 months in both new French oak and neutral American barrels.
GOLD MEDAL, 91 points - 2016 World Wine Championships
GOLD MEDAL - 2016 Craft Competition International Awards
We sourced the fruit for this year's Pseudonym from the Tondre Grapefield Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Just like his father Tondre, grower Joe Alarid is passionate about his vines and grows several different pinot clones. The southeast facing slopes provide ample sunlight and even ripening throughout the long growing season. A strong coastal influence from the Monterey Bay ensures cool nights, preserving acidity for firm structure.
GOLD MEDAL WINNER, 91 Points - Affairs of the Vine 13th Annual Pinot Noir Shootout GOLD MEDAL WINNER, 92 Points - World Wine Championship 2016
Hidden Valley Vineyard is our Estate vineyard, located in Paso Robles’ Westside, just south of scenic Highway 46 West. Late in the growing season, the coastal influence that creates the cooler Templeton Gap micro-climate often brings a swirling morning fog to the lower parts of the vineyard. Our Pinot Noir block is planted at the lowest, coolest spot in the field which we nicknamed “Foggy Bottom." We use the tiny yield from this area of the vineyard to create our Reserve bottling.
