Aris
2004 Petite Sirah ~ Port
The grapes for this wonderful port were grown by the Heringer family whose vineyard in the Clarksburg area
along the Northern Sacramento River is developing a reputation for fine petite sirah. This land has been farmed by the Heringers for four generations.
The grapes were late-picked to increase the grape sugars and brought
to our cellar cool. After two days of cold soaking for color extraction,
we began fermentation. We gently pressed (by foot...) to minimize the extraction of harsh tannins and fortified with a single-batch copper still spirit made for us by our neighbor, Stillwater
Spirits. Once fortified, the port was placed in small, neutral oak barrels
for aging.
| Appellations: |
Clarksburg, CA |
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| Grape Varieties: |
100% Petite Sirah |
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| Vintage: |
2004 |
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| Harvest Date: |
October 6 |
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| Brix at Harvest: |
26.5% |
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| Fortification: |
2003 cabernet sauvignon spirit (140 proof) aged in oak for 12 months |
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| Aging: |
20 months in neutral barrels |
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| Final RS: |
7.5% |
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| Final Alcohol: |
18.1% |
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| Total production: |
400 cases |
Winemaker / Tasting Notes
“Inky black-purple in appearance with a clean varietal aroma. On the palate, it's all dark fruit - blackberry, plum and dark cherry.
The finish is exceptionally smooth and clean with good tannin structure
and not too much heat from the 18.1% alcohol. Will continue to age in
the bottle for years to come.”
Bill Reading
Sonoma Valley Portworks |
