2017, Tollini Vineyard, Peterson Winery

Inviting aromas of wild red fruits, hints of spice and a rustic minerality lead to luscious layers of dark fruit, surrounded by a subtle structure and a lingering finish.

About the Winery: Owner Fred Peterson is an iconoclast with an old-world winemaking philosophy and a devotion to sustainable farming. With decades of expertise, from 1985 to 1990, Fred was the Vineyard Manager of the legendary Ridge Vineyards. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard, a philosophy they call 'Zero Manipulation', with low tech, yet high touch winemaking techniques to produce artisanal wines of a place: wines with soul. Based in the Dry Creek Valley in northern Sonoma County, Peterson Winery was established in 1987. Fred's son Jamie became assistant winemaker in the summer of 2002 and by 2006, Jamie was given the overall responsibility of winemaker. As a team, Fred and Jamie meticulously assess the grapes from each vineyard and vintage, evaluating how the weather, soil and site are interacting for the particular vintage. The duo pour their heart and soul into every bottle, producing beautifully balanced wines which truly reflect the time and the place.

Grape Variety: 73% Carignan, 22% Grenache, 5% Syrah – Carignan offers concentrated, flavoursome fruit; Grenache adds depth, complexity and balance; Syrah contributes further depth and complexity.

Varietal Details: Carignan brings brambly raspberry, red currant and blueberry with violet and savory herb notes, lively acidity and a touch of rustic tannin. Grenache adds ripe strawberry, cherry and pomegranate, hints of white pepper and garrigue, and a supple, rounded mid-palate. Syrah contributes blackberry and plum, black pepper, olive and subtle smoked-meat nuances, along with deeper color and fine-grained structure.

Appearance: further research required

Aroma: Inviting aromas of wild red fruits, hints of spice.

Palate: Luscious layers of raspberry, strawberry, floral notes and pomegranate, surrounded by a subtle structure and a touch of liquorice on the finish.

Body: Full - This wine is described as having luscious layers and a subtle structure, indicating a substantial presence on the palate.

Acidity: Medium - The wine shows lovely concentration and balance, suggesting a well-integrated acidity that supports the fruit without being overly sharp.

Cellaring Potential: Medium (5–10 yrs) - The wine is bottled without fining or filtration and has a subtle structure, suggesting it could benefit from some cellaring.

Perfect Pairing: Red Meat, Poultry, Cheese

Serving Temperature: 15–16°C for reds

The information on this wine is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. This information may be subject to change.