Vineyards
Fruit for Lila’s Cuvée is sourced 100% from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard in San Martin. The 150-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999-2000. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing our winemaker with a spice rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fergitation) were also installed onsite, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
Winemaking
The different grape varietals composing this wine were all hand harvested, sorted, and processed separately. The Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault were fermented in open top tank and punched down 3 times per day. Both the Grenache and Syrah were first cold soaked, and a portion of juice drawn off for Rosé production, resulting in concentrated musts. The Carignane, Alicante Bouschet, and Petite Sirah underwent fermentation in closed top tanks, with pumpovers 3 times per day. All wines were inoculated with malolactic bacteria and barreled down in 100% French oak. 36% of the French oak was new. Malolactic fermentation was allowed to complete as the wines aged for 18 months. The components were blended together and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes
A rich, dark opaque, ruby color. The first and dominant aroma on the nose is a bakers spice, with hints of brambleberry fruit--blackberry, raspberry. Cocoa. Dried cherries and savory spice. Flavors of dried fruits, raspberries, chocolate and cherry pie. That savory component carries through to the mouth, in tandem with a solid acid and tannin base. Will age nicely and pair well with hearty meals.
About Lila
Lila is the first granddaughter of Clos LaChance owners Bill and Brenda Murphy. The first vintage of this wine was released in 2005, the year she was born.
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