Philosophy:
To create the kinds of finished wines that make up our three Red Blends, it is critical that farming is controlled directly by the winery. Our blends are therefore produced from fruit grown at the Kuleto Estate and in our premiere estate vineyards throughout the North Coast. Where we deliberately give up a bit of winery control is in our unusual approach to harvest and fermentation. Instead of waiting for enough of a particular variety to ripen fully for the sake of having a pure tank or lot, we often combine whatever fruit happens to be perfectly ripeat the moment. While co-fermentation of different varieties has not been the default protocol in the New World, it is intuitive and natural. It’s also the genesis of our multi-varietal blends.
Curious Blends:
Our blends are in essence three distinct interpretations of our estate. Beyond showcasing terroir and varieties, they give our winemaker, Giovani Verdejo, a chance to express his own artistic vision of the property. By mixing grapes from different locations on the estate and throughout the North Coast, Gio can create wines that are deep, lush, complex and wonderfully individualistic.
India Ink:
This a Syrah leading, Rhone style blend made for pure indulgence. India Ink is rich, full, oak driven and hedonistic. We select barrels and wine lots to create a blend that is deep purple in color, loaded with blue-black fruit aromas, and is meaty, rich and powerful on the palate. The 2019 India Ink boasts aromas of red and black fruits, tobacco, and black pepper. These aromas continue to the palate, with flavors of blackberry, boysenberry and savory notes of cured meat, dried herbs and a subtle smokiness. Pair India Ink with peppery barbequed meats.
- Composition:
- 70% Petite Sirah
- 18% Merlot
- 8% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 2% Malbec
- 2% Petit Verdot
- Aging: 15 months in French, American and Hungarian Oak, 30% new
- Alcohol: 15.2%
- pH: 3.8
- TA: 5.75 g/L