STYLE

Hardscrabble Red has been of a certain style, an emulation of Bordeaux, for decades. A combination of climate change and our own maturity, self-discovery and confidence has changed the equation. During blending trials the Cabernet Sauvignon was impressive and attempts to introduce other varietals in the wine took away from the élan, its drive, its specialness. Ultimately it was a flight of 2008 Barolos that showed us that power didn’t have to come from ultra-ripe fruit, alcohol and oak. The resulting blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is elegant, restrained, but concentrated. An iron first in a velvet glove.

WINEMAKING

Sorted and destemmed. Fermented warm with gentle pump-overs early and then punch downs once the cap formed. Pressing took place after about 20 to 28 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in used and new French oak barrels. 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Bottled in January 2023. 2,530 bottles produced. Alcohol 12.9%. Drink 2025 through 2031.