Adelaida Keeper Red Wine 2020, Adelaida Estate Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles, California

Adelaida has organically-farmed vineyards in the coastal influenced Santa Lucia Mountain Range on the west side of the Paso Robles AVA. Situated on steep hillsides, these sites lie within the Adelaida District, a sub-appellation in the northwest corner of the wine region. With elevations ranging from 1400 – 2050 feet, limestone subsoils, and extreme diurnal temperature swings, averaging 45 degrees, Adelaida produces wines with distinct expressions of their site. Adelaida Vineyards received about 12.5 inches of rain in the 2019-2020 winter, accounting for only half of the historical average. This limited rainfall, combined with notably higher-than-average heat and significant fires in Northern California, led to an arduous year of grape production. The 2020 Keeper exudes deep, dark blue hues that imply a Syrah-dominant wine. The essence of brambleberry, huckleberry, and blueberry notes, sit atop classic California Chapparal and limestone structural elements. The first sip is fresh yet robust with juicy blue fruit flavors and exotic spice notes. Grenache fills the mid-palate with its classic notes of summer savory, reinforced by elements of raspberry and plum. The rare Counoise grape makes its presence known and lends anise spice, wild strawberry, and licorice flavors, while Petite Sirah adds deep color and bold structure with hints of acai and dark chocolate. The smattering of Mourvèdre wraps it all together with aromatic threads of violets and pepper. 2020 vintage: Syrah 43%, Grenache 25%, Counoise 12%Petite Sirah 12%, Mourvèdre 8%. Aged in neutral French oak for 18 months.