TINTO ST. HELENA

The St. Helena Tinto vineyard seems to get better every year. Six decades spent farming the original vineyard in Oakville have informed us that the varietals in this field blend perform better as the vines age. With the St. Helena vineyard into its third decade, its true character is starting to shine. The wine is a deep ruby with a nose of dark berries. On the palate you’ll find dark fruit, some florals, cassis, and a little plum. This is a complex wine that will age well, yet very smooth and easy-drinking.

VINIFICATION

The field mix of eight different red varieties - Petit Sirah, Zinfandel, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Refosco, Alicante Bouschet, Napa Gamay and Négrette - was originally planted in our historic Oakville vineyard. In 1992, we took the cuttings from the Oakville vines and T-budded them to a portion of our existing vineyard in St. Helena. The ‘recipe’ for the wine changes from year to year depending on the yields of each particular variety. The grapes are harvested all together, co-fermented and barrel-aged as if it were one varietal. Because the different varieties spend so much time together, the wine becomes very harmonious and well integrated.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Tinto will be a great match for all kinds of red meats, grilled, oven-roasted or stewed. These Grilled Pork Chops with Pancetta & Forest Mushrooms from Chef Ryan Hicks will be perfect, too!