Winemaker Notes

Sumo is a Cote Rotie twist on Petite Sirah – Petite Sirah co-fermented with Viognier, and blended with a small amount of Syrah. The 2018 Sumo is a blend of 85% Petite Sirah, 11% Syrah, and 4% Viognier, all from the rocky, volcanic, impeccably-and-organically-farmed Shake Ridge Vineyard. The Petite comes from three blocks, one is 80% rock and produces small, thick-skinned berries with intense aromatics and dense structure. The second Petite block also has very rocky soil with a western exposure – the berries are ever so slightly larger and the skins slightly thinner (remember this is still Petite!), bringing a juicy elegance to the blend. The third Petite block is at the bottom of a north-facing block, and is all about vibrant, fresh fruit – the lifter of the trio. The 2018 Sumo is a show-stopper. Aromas of ink, mixed berry cobbler, resin, lilies, carob, asphalt, boysenberry, blueberry, black peppercorn. The ultra silky, mouth-filling palate is broad and plush, with sweet blue and black fruit, savory black peppercorn, flowers, tar, and graphite persisting through the very end of the super-long finish. 295 cases produced.