The fruit for this wine is harvested by hand from the Ehret Family”s estate Bavarian Lion Vineyards located in Knights Valley. The Knights Valley AVA is protected from the marine influence of the Pacific Ocean, making it the warmest AVA in Sonoma County. The vineyards on the estate range from 400-800 feet in elevation and are located just north of Calistoga and east of Alexander Valley, on the foothills of Mount St. Helena. The unique topography and soil content make this a most desirable area to grow Bordeaux and Northern Rhône grapes. The soil consists of well drained, very gravelly and sandy loams formed from mixed sedimentary and basic rock.
WINEMAKING NOTES
The 2017 Hillside Reserve opens with a jolt of salinity that centers its core and allows the rest of its rich attributes to be draped luxuriously over its proud frame. A hint of cigar box on the nose transitions quickly to a blend of Jamon Iberico and quince paste. The fleshy palate, while velvety at first, lengthens out to slowly reveal stalwart tannins. All that is left on the finish, is the perfume of dried, wild forest floor strawberries, and freshly crisped lardons.