2019 Alder Springs Tannat, Cruse Wine Co.

This Tannat is from the impeccably farmed Alder Springs vineyard in the town of Laytonville in Mendocino County. This block is relatively young but planted at an elevation of 2,300 ft on a steep, southern slope of decomposed sandstone. The combination of elevation and distance from the coast creates a cool climate while still having enough hang time to fully ripen Tannat. In 2018, the fruit was picked on September 30th with near-perfect maturity. Fruit was fully destemmed into a concrete vat. Fermentation occurred spontaneously after a few days and the grapes were punched down and pumped over for 12 days. Élevage was in used barriques. Malolactic proceeded naturally. The wine was racked once prior to bottling and was sulfured twice, once after primary and again prior to bottling. The wine has not been filtered or fined and has no additions with the exception of the small amount of sulfur used. 374 cases produced.