Our 2016 Début is a wine that was produced with the Right Bank Bordeaux style in mind. This wine has been blended to highlight the best of two varietals and showcases the rich elegance of two signature California vineyards.

The Cabernet Franc grapes were chosen from the Sierra Foothills, while the Merlot that was blended in was grown in the Hanson Ridge Vineyard in Lake County. Each of these vineyards are expertly farmed using Bordeaux practices. Bill Thompson further accentuated our homage to the Right Bank by using old world European techniques in the cellar.

The grapes were only destemmed. The whole berries were bin fermented separately in small lots at cool temperatures. This method creates a longer fermentation that accentuated the fruit flavors, while adding complexity. To avoid extraction of harsh tannins, no pumps were used until after the wine was pressed off the skins. The bins were hand punched daily and gently stirred.